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THE TERM 

PILGRIM FATHERS 



BY 

ALBERT MATTHEWS 



REPRINTED FROM 

THE PUBLICATIONS 

OF 

^i)t Colonial J>ociec^ of Sl^a00acl)u0ett« 
Vol. XVII 



CAMBRIDGE 
JOHN WILSON AND SON 

SEniijersitg ^tegs 

1915 






Author 
APR S I9IS 






THE TERM 
PILGRIM FATHERS 

AND 
EARLY CELEBRATIONS OF FOREFATHERS' DAY 



Under the auspices of the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Associa- 
tion, on August 20, 1907, was laid the corner-stone of the monument 
at Provincetown commemorating the landing there of the May- 
flower passengers on November 11-21, 1620. In his address de- 
livered upon that occasion, President Roosevelt said : 

The coining hither of the Puritan three centuries ago shaped the 
destinies of this continent, and therefore profoundly affected the des- 
tiny of the whole world. . . . We cannot as a nation be too profoundly 
grateful for the fact that the Puritan has stamped his influence so deeply 
on our national life. . . . The splendid qualities which he left to his 
children, we other Americans who are not of Puritan blood also claim 
as our heritage. You, sons of the Puritans, and we, who are descended 
from races whom the Puritans would have deemed alien — we are all 
Americans to-day. We all feel the same pride in the genesis, in the his- 
tory of our people; and therefore this shrine of Puritanism is one at 



294 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

which we all gather to pay homage, no matter from what country our 
ancestors sprang.^ 

In the early part of this address, which later became political, the 
speaker used the words Puritan and Puritanism frequently, but 
the terms Pilgrim and Pilgrim Fathers not once; and his hearers 
listened in vain for a contrast between the Pilgrims of the PljTnouth 
Colony and the Puritans of the Massachusetts Colony. There was 
considerable dismay in this part of the country — a dismay not 
allayed when it became known that the President had only just 
learned of the existence of such a distinction.^ 



^ Boston Evening Transcript, August 20, 1907, p. 1/7. An editorial note in 
the Boston Evening Transcript of August 23, 1907, reads: 

The Springfield Republican says: "It is as much popular impression that the 
PUgrims were Puritans as that the witches of Salem were burned at the stake." 
If so, it is a good thing the mistake has been pubUcly made in high circles. It 
wUl tend to dispel a gross popular error (p. 8/2). 

This paragraph is so awkwardly expressed as to leave its precise meaning some- 
what imcertain, but apparently the "gross popular error" is the beUef that the 
Pilgrim Fathers were Puritans. 

The following skit appeared in the New York Sun of September 10, 1907, 
p. 4/6: 

THE REVISED CONSTITUTION. 

I, the President of the United States, in order to form a more decent govern- 
ment, provide for the common regulation, promote the weKare of desirable citi- 
zens and secure the blessings of My Pohcies to posterity, do ordain and estabhsh 
this Constitution for the United States of America: . . . 

ARTICLE VI. 

Section 1 — The "Pilgrims" shall be called "Puritans" after this date. 

2 I refer to and quote from the speech as actually delivered and given to the 
'press by Mr. Roosevelt. It appears, however, that the two following remarks 
were made by the President as an extemporaneous introductory to his oration: 

Men and women of Massachusetts: Let me at the outset ask to be excused 
for one error in my speech of which I was unaware until I read it to a Massa- 
chusetts man. I have mixed up the Pilgrim and the Puritan. 

Out in a remote region like New York we tend to confound men. I ask your 
pardon for not having appreciated the difference between them. When, there- 
fore, I speak of the Puritan, I speak in the large generic sense that takes the 
Pilgrim in (Boston Herald, August 21, 1907, p. 31). 

And in the speech as afterwards (1911) printed in E. J. Carpenter's The 
Pilgrims and their Monument, the first sentence quoted in the text was altered so 
as to read as follows: "The coming hither of the Pilgrims three hundred years 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 295 

It is perhaps well for us New Englanders, who are too apt to in- 
sist that the Mayflower Compact^ was the beginning of constitu- 
tional government in this country, and too prone to forget that a 
legislative assembly met in Virginia a year before the sailing of the 
Mayflower, to have our cherished notions challenged or ignored. 
For, after all, the distinction that we in New England now so sharply 
draw between the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony and the Puritans 
of the Massachusetts Colony is one of somewhat recent growth, is 
more or less local, and is still far from being universally recognized. 

It is not a little singular that, in spite of the numerous volumes 
that have been written about the Pilgrims and the Puritans, it has 
hitherto occurred to no one to investigate the term jPilgrim Fathers. 
What is the history of this term? What is its origin? Is its applica- 
tion appropriate? What is its precise meaning? Why are the set- 
tlers who came before 1692 to what is now the State of Massachu- 
setts differentiated as the Pilgrims of the PljTnouth Colony and the 
Puritans of the Massachusetts Colony? The present paper is an 
attempt to answer these questions. 

History of the Term 

Forefathers' Day was first celebrated at Plymouth in 1769 and in 
Boston in 1797 or 1798. Accounts in some detail will be given of 
the celebrations at Plymouth down to 1820 and of the early Boston 
celebrations. It will perhaps be thought that these accounts are 
unnecessarily long. Ordinarily, in illustrating the history of a term, 
it is necessary to quote only the sentence containing the term in 

ago, followed in far larger numbers by their sterner kinsmen, the Puritans, 
shaped the destinies of this continent, and therefore profoundly affected the 
destiny of the whole world" (pp. 74-75). 

^ The word "compact" was first applied to this document, as I am informed 
by Mr. George E. Bowman, in 1793 (1 Massachusetts Historical Collections, ii. 6 
note). A few earlier terms may be given: "an Association and Agreement," 
1622 (Mourt's Relation, in Arber's Story of the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 409); "a 
combination," 1630, Bradford (History of Plymouth Plantation, ed. Ford, i. 
189), and 1636 (PljTnouth Colony Records, xi. 6, 74); "a Solemn Contract," 
1736 (T. Prince, Chronological History of New-England, i. 73; "the covenant," 
1773 (C. Turner, Sermon, 1774, p. 21 note); "a solemn contract," 1793 (C. Rob- 
bins, Sermon, 1794, p. 33). The exaggerated language usually apphed to the 
compact apparently originated with John Quincy Adams in 1802 (Oration, 1803, 
pp. 17-18, 20), before which time httle attention was paid to it. 



296 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

question and enough of the context to show clearly its exact mean- 
ing. The present case, however, is an unusual one in that passages 
which do not contain the term Pilgrim Fathers may yet be of value 
in showing exactly what those who did employ the term meant by 
it. There are other reasons, too, which make it desirable to quote 
in full many of the accounts. The half-century from 1769 to 1820 
was a momentous one in our history. The writers about to be 
quoted witnessed the American Revolution, the adoption of the 
Federal Constitution, our strained relations with France at the close 
of the eighteenth century, the transfer of the national government 
from the Federalists to the Republicans or Democrats, the purchase 
of Louisiana, the abolition of slavery in some of the States and the 
prohibition of the importation of slaves into the country, the War 
of 1812 with England, and "the era of good feelings" which was 
ushered in by the inauguration of President Monroe.^ Moreover, it 
was a period when people took their politics very seriously, when 
party feeling was extremely bitter, and when antagonists applied 
to one another epithets that now, fortunately, are seldom encoun- 
tered in political warfare. In addition, that period saw the intro- 
duction of an American episcopate, the spread of Unitarianism, 
and many departures from the customs and manners of "the 
fathers." The feehngs engendered by these great political, religious, 
and social changes are reflected in the discourses delivered on 
Forefathers' Day and even more in the newspaper accounts of the 
celebrations. 

Plymouth Celebrations 

On January 13, 1769, twelve young men, — 

having maturely weighed and seriously considered the many disadvan- 
tages and inconveniences that arise from intermixing with the company 
at the taverns in this town of Plymouth, and apprehending that a well 
regulated club will have a tendency to prevent the same, and to increase 
not only the pleasure and happiness of the respective members, but also 



^ These historic words headed an editorial note in the Columbian Centinel of 
July 12, 1817, beginning: "During the late Presidential Jubilee many persons 
have met at festive boards, in pleasant converse, whom party politics had long 
severed. We recur with pleasure to all the circumstances which attended the 
demonstrations of good feelings" (p. 2/3). 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 297 

will conduce to their edification and instruction, do hereby incorporate 
ourselves into a society by the name of the Old Colony Club.^ 

On Wednesday, December 20, 17G9, it was — 

Voted, That Friday next be kept by this Club in commemora- 
tion of the first landing of our worthy ancestors in this place.^ 
That the Club dine together at M"" Rowland's,^ and that a number 
of gentlemen be invited to spend the evening with us at the Old Col- 
ony Hall.^ 

Accordingly on December 22^ the celebration took place: 



1 2 Proceedings Massachusetts Historical Society, iii. 389. The Records of 
the Old Colony Club are printed in this volume, pp. 381-444. References in this 
paper to these Records are to that volume. 

^ The Mayflower passengers who landed at Provincetown on November 11-21 
landed from the Mayflower itself. The popular notion that those who landed at 
Pl5Tnouth on December 11-21 also landed from the Mayflower is a mistake. 
There were three expeditions — or "discoveries," as the term then was — from 
the Mayflower. The first, consisting of Standish and sixteen men, was a land 
expedition and lasted from November 15-25 to November 17-27. The second, 
consisting of thirty-four men, was in the shallop, and lasted from November 27- 
December 7 to November 30-December 10. The third, consisting of seventeen 
men (of whom John Alden was not one), also in the shallop, started on December 
6-16; reached Clark's Island on Friday, December 8-18; landed at Plymouth 
on Monday, December 11-21; and returned on December 12-22 to the Mayflower, 
which reached Plymouth on Saturday, December 16-26. (Narrative and Criti- 
cal History of America, iii. 270-272 and note.) Hence those traditions are with- 
out foundation which state that the first person to land on Plymouth Rock was 
either Mary Chilton or John Alden. The landing from the Mayflower, it may 
be added, vv-as not completed until about March 21-31, 1621: see Mourt's 
Relation, ed. Dexter, p. 90. 

^ Thomas Southworth Howland. 

* Records, p. 400. 

6 The legal change in England and the American colonies from Old Style to 
New Style took place in September, 1752, there then being a difference of eleven 
days. The members of the Old Colony Club, all of whom were young men, were 
probably not aware of the fact that in the seventeenth century the difference was 
ten days, not eleven. Hence the error in the date of celebrating Forefathers' Day. 
In a sermon delivered in Boston December 22, 1820, the Rev. James Sabine said: 
"The reader must bear in mind, that all the dates and events, in relation to our 
Fathers, are Old Style, an allowance of eleven days therefore must be made; as, 
for instance, the Fathers landed the 11th. December, which in New Style, is the 
22d" (The Fathers of New England, 1821, p. 31). The error was apparently 
first pointed out in 1832 by Dr. James Thacher in his History of the Town of 
PljTQOuth (pp. 15 note, 25 note). In his Discoiu-se (p. 53) delivered at Pl>Tnouth 
December 22, 1832, the Rev. Convers Francis also called attention to the error, 



298 TffiE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Old Colony Day. 

Friday, December 22. The Old Colony Club, agreeable to a vote 
passed the 20th instant, met in commemoration of the landing of their 
worthy ancestors in this place. On the morning of said day, after dis- 
charging a cannon, was hoisted upon the Hall an elegant silk flag with 
the following inscription, "Old Colony 1620." At eleven o'clock a.m. 
the members of the Club appeared at the Hall, and from thence pro- 
ceeded to the house of M.'^ Howland, innholder (which is erected upon the 
spot where the first licensed House in the Old Colony formerly stood). 
At half after two a decent repast was served up, which consisted of the 
following dishes; namely, — 



citing Thacher. On December 15, 1849, the Pilgrim Society appointed a com- 
mittee "to consider the expediency of celebrating in future the Landing of the 
Pilgrims, on the twenty first day of December, instead of the twentysecond;" in 
1850 the committee made its Report (see p. 390, below, for full title); and on 
May 27, 1850, the Pilgrim Society " Voted, That this Society will hereafter regard 
the twentyfirst day of December, as the true anniversary of the Landing of the 
Pilgrims" (Report, p. 2; New England Historical and Genealogical Register, iv. 
350). In a discourse delivered at Dedham December 21, 1851, the 'Rev. Alvan 
Lamson (The Memory of John Robinson, 1852, pp. 4-5, 39-40) noted the old 
error, citing Thacher. 

The practice of the Pilgrim Society has been somewhat erratic. In October, 
1862, the New England Historical and Genealogical Register remarked: "We 
believe, however, that the force of habit has proved stronger than the love of 
truth, and that the Pilgrim Society has rescinded its vote [of May 27, 1850], and 
again celebrates the 22d of December" (xvi. 347-348). In July, 1871, the same 
journal said: "The Pilgrim Society have lately again given their sanction to the 
celebration of the true day, the last anniversary . . . having been commemo- 
rated by them on the 21st of December, 1870" (xxv. 302-303 note). But on 
May 29, 1882, the Pilgrim Society voted: "While we recognize the historical fact 
that the passengers on the shallop of the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock 
on the 11th of December, 1620, and that the twenty-first of the new style corre- 
sponds to the day of landing, yet in view of the fact that the twenty-second has 
been hallowed by an observance during a period of over one hundred years, and 
consecrated by the words of Winslow, Webster, Everett, Adams, Seward and 
many other great orators of our land, it is hereby resolved that hereafter the 
twenty-second of December be observed by the Pilgrim Society as the anni- 
versary of the landing of the Pilgrims" (Register, xxxvi. 327). This vote 
led the Register to remark: "This action is surprising. It seems that the 
anniversary henceforth to be celebrated at Plymouth is not that of the land- 
ing of the Pilgrims, but of the orations of their, eloquent eulogists." A singular 
error occurs in the vote of the Pilgrim Society: Seward's oration in 1855 was 
delivered on December 21st, not the 22d. By 1895, however, the Pilgrim Society 
had returned to its vote of May 27, 1850, and December 21st is now the anni- 
versary day. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 299 

1. A large baked Indian whortleberry pudding. 

2. A dish of sauquetash.i 

3. A dish of clams. 

4. A dish of oysters and a dish of codfish. 

5. A haunch of venison roasted by the first jack brought to the Colony. 

6. A dish of sea-fowl. 

7. A ditto of frost-fish and eels. 

8. An apple pie. 

9. A course of cranberry tarts, and cheese made in the Old Colony; dressed 
in the plainest manner (all appearances of luxvu-y and extravagance being avoided, 
in imitation of our worthy ancestors whose memory we shall ever respect). 

At four o'clock p.m., the members of our Club, headed by the steward 
carrying a folio volume of the laws of the Old Colony ,2 hand in hand 
marched in procession to the Hall. Upon the appearance of the proces- 
sion in front of the Hall a number of descendants from the first settlers 
in the Old Colony drew up in a regular file and discharged a volley 
of small arms, succeeded by tliree cheers, which were returned by the 
Club, and the gentlemen generously treated. After this appeared at 
the Private Grammar School opposite the Hall a number of young gen- 
tlemen, pupils of M"^ Wadsworth,^ who to express their joy upon this 
occasion, and their respect for the memory of their ancestors, in the 
most agreeable manner joined in singing a song ^ very applicable to the 
day. At sun setting a cannon was discharged and the flag struck. 

In the evening the Hall was illuminated, and the following gentlemen 
(being previously invited) joined the Club; . . . 



^ Succotash as made at Plymouth is a soup. For the following recipe I am 
indebted to Miss Catherine E. Russell: 

BoU two fowls in a large kettle of water. At the same time boU in another 
kettle one-half pound of lean pork and two quarts of common white beans, until 
like soup. When the fowls are boiled, skim off the fat and add a small piece of 
corned beef, one-half of a turnip sliced and cut small, and five or six potatoes 
sliced thin. When cooked tender, take out the fowls and keep them in the oven 
with the pork. The soup of beans and pork should be added to the water the 
fowls and beef were boiled in. Add salt and pepper. Four quarts of hulled com 
having been boiled soft are added to the soup. Before serving, add the meat of 
one fowl. The second fowl should be served separately, as also the corned beef 
and pork. 

2 Foho editions of the Plymouth Colony Laws were printed in 1672 and 1685. 

' Peleg Wadsworth (H. C. 1769) taught a private school in Pljonouth. 

* This v/as apparently John Dickinson's famous Liberty Song, written in 1768. 
"The song was recently discovered among the papers of the late Benjamin M. 
Watson, Esq. of this town, with a memo, appended, stating it to have been sung 
at the first public celebration of the anniversary, by the O. C. Club, Dec. 22d, 
1769" (W. S. Russell, Airs of the Pilgrims, appended to his Guide to Plymouth, 
1846, p. 14). 



300 THE COLONLVL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The President (being seated in a large and venerable chair which was 
formerly possessed by William Bradford, the second worthy Governor 
of the Old Colony, and presented to the Club by our friend Dr. Lazarus 
LeBaron of this town) delivered the following toasts successively to the 
company; namely, — 

1. To the memory of our brave and pious ancestors the first settlers of fhe 
Old Colony. 

2. To the memory of John Carver and all the other worthy governors of the 
Old Colony. 

3. To the memory of that pious man and faithful historian Mr. Secretary 
Morton.i 

4. To the memory of that brave man and good officer Cap* Miles Standish. 

5. To the memory of Maasasoit, our first and best friend and ally of the natives. 

6. To the memory of Mr. Robert Cushman, who preached the first sermon 
in New England.^ 

7. The union of the Old Colony and Massachusetts. 

8. May every person be possessed with the same noble sentiments against 
arbitrary power that our worthy ancestors were endowed with. 

9. May every enemy of civil or rehgious liberty meet the same or a worse 
fate than Archbishop Laud. 

10. May the Colonies be speedily dehvered from all the burdens and op>- 
pressions they now labor under. 

11. A speedy and lasting union between Great Britain and her Colonies, 

12. Unanimity, prosperity, and happiness to the Colonies. 

After spending the evening in an agreeable manner in recapitulating 
and conversing upon the many and various adventures of our forefathers 
in the first settlement of this country and the growth and increase of 
the same, at eleven o'clock in the evening a cannon was again fired, 
three cheers given, and the Club and company withdrew.^ 

On December 19, 1770, it was — 



^ Nathaniel Morton came in the Anne in 1623. 

2 Robert Cushman arrived in the Fortune in November, 1621, and, though a 
layman, preached a sermon on December 9-19 following which was printed in 
London in 1622. The statement that this was "the first sermon preached in 
New England," though often made, is a mistake. On Sunday, August 9, and 
again on August 19, 1607, the Rev. Richard Seymour preached sermons at St. 
George's Island, Maine, to the Popham colony. (Collections Maine Historical 
Society, 1853, iii. 298, 301.) In 1820 the Rev. J. Sabine expressed the opinion 
that the 1620 sermon was written by Brewster, not Cushman (The Fathers of 
New England, 1821, pp. 10-11, 31). 

3 Records, pp. 400-405. This accoimt, substantially as given in the text, was 
printed in the Boston Gazette of January 22, 1770, p. 2/1; and in the Boston 
News Letter of January 25, 1770, p. 1/1. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 301 

agreed upon and resolved that the twenty-second day of December, be- 
ing the day of the first landing of our pious forefathers in this town, 
and which has been kept as a solemn festival in commemoration of the 
heroic transaction, falling in this year upon Saturday,^ being an unsuit- 
able time for that purpose, it was therefore resolved that Monday the 
24th of this instant be set apart and religiously kept for that purpose. 

On December 24 the members met at ten at Mr. Howland's house, 
where they were joined by others; at twelve, "after having amused' 
themselves in conversation upon the history of emigrate colonies 
and the constitution and declension of empires, ancient and modern, 
they were served with an entertainment foreign from all kinds of 
luxury, and consisting of fish, flesh, and vegetables, the natural 
produce of this Colony; after which, the company being increased 
... a number of toasts were drank grateful to the remembrances 
of our ancestors, and loyal to those kings under whose indulgent 
care this Colony has flourished and been protected." 

On this occasion two or three new features were introduced, 
among them an oration — or, as the records of the Club say, " words 
. . . spoken with modesty and firmness" — by Edward Winslow, 
Jr., and a poem by Alexander Scammell.^ 

In 1771 December 22 fell on Sunday, and so — 

Monday the 23d of December . . . was celebrated as a day of fes- 
tivity in commemoration of that important event. The landing of our 
forefathers in this place. ... At noon the Club, being joined by a num- 
ber of the most respectable gentlemen in town, met in a spacious room 
at the house of M'' Wetherell, innholder, when they partook of a plain 
and elegant entertainment, and spent the afternoon in cheerful and 
social conversation upon a variety of subjects peculiarly adapted to the 
time. At sunset . . . the members of the Club, with the gentlemen of 
the town, repaired to the Hall, where the aforesaid subjects were re- 



^ This was the only year between 1769 and 1780 that the 22d fell on a Satur- 
day. In 1798 it again fell on a Saturday, and that day the celebration took place 
in Plymouth. In 1804 it once more fell on a Saturday, but in that year the cele- 
bration occurred on the 21st — presumably because the 22d was Saturday. I 
am informed that as late as about 1840 Saturday evening was regarded at 
Plymouth as part of the Sabbath. In 1804 the Boston celebration was held on 
Saturday, and gave rise to criticism: cf. p. 345, below. 

2 Records, pp. 413, 414-415, 416. Edward Winslow, Jr., was in the Harvard 
class of 1765, and Alexander Scam m ell in that of 1769. 



302 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

assumed, and several important matters relative to the conduct of our 
ancestors were discussed with freedom and candor, and a number of 
pleasing anecdotes of our progenitors were recollected and communi- 
cated by some of the aged men who favored us with their company. An 
uncommon harmony and pleasantry prevailed throughout the day and 
evening, every person present exerting himself to increase the general 
joy. The Old Colony song ^ with a number of others was sung, after 
which the company withdrew. 

On the same day the Rev. Chandler Robbins addressed a letter 
to the Club in which he said: 

I'm told it was expected by some that as the anniversary of our fore- 
fathers' arrival in this place fell out on the Sabbath past, I would have 
taken some public notice of it in the pulpit. I must acknowledge I think 
there would have been a great propriety in it, and I am sorry it was 
entirely out of my mind that that was the day till I was reminded of it 
to-day; otherwise I should certainly have taken notice of it, and at- 
tempted to say something suitable to the occasion. However, 't is past 
now; but I would on this occasion, if it would not be esteemed assuming 
in me, humbly propose to the gentlemen of your Society whether it 
would not be agreeable, and serve for the entertainment and instruction 
of the rising generation more especially, for the future on these anniver- 
saries to have a sermon in public some part of the day peculiarly adapted 
to the occasion, wherein should be represented the motives that induced 
them to undertake such an enterprise, the amazing dangers and difficul- 
ties they conflicted with and overcame, the piety and ardor with which 



1 Exactly what "the Old Colony song" was I have been unable to ascertain. 
Possibly it was " Our Forefather's SONG. Composed about the year 1630," 
which was first printed, so far as I am aware, in the Massachusetts Magazine 
for January, 1791, iii. 52-53, where a note says: "The above, was taken memor- 
iter, from the lips of an old Lady, at the advanced age of 92." The first two 
lines read: 

THE place where we live is a wilderness wood, 
Where grass is much wanting that 's fruitful and good. 

It was again printed in 1838 in 3 Massachusetts Historical Collections, vii. 
29-30, where a note says: "Composed about 1630, author unknown; taken 
memoriter, in 1785, from the lips of an old Lady, at the advanced period of 96." 
It was also printed in 1846 by W. S. Russell in his Airs of the Pilgrims, pp. 1-3, 
where likewise appears a letter dated December 15, 1817, in which Dr. Benjamin 
Waterhouse says: "Who the author was I know not; nor do I when it was 
written; neither have I been informed who the old lady was who repeated 
these verses in 1767, when 94 years of age." 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 303 

they persevered through numberless discouragements and opposition, the 
time, manner, and other circumstances of their first arrival, with all the 
train of surprising events that ensued, the appearances of the Divine 
Providence and Goodness for them, the noble and godlike virtues with 
which they were inspired, so worthy the imitation of their posterity, 
etc., etc., with many other things that would naturally fall in upon a 
discourse of this kind. ... I do but propose the thing, gentlemen, for 
your consideration this evening, and if it should prove agreeable I would 
beg leave to suggest one thing further; namely, that the minister to 
preach the sermon be chosen by your Society somewhere within the Old 
Colony, . . . 

In their reply, dated December 31, 1771, and approved by the 
Club January 7, 1772, the committee to whom this letter was 
referred said in part: 

We have impatiently waited for a proposal of this kind to be made to 
some gentleman of the clergy by persons whose ages and situations and 
life have given them greater influence than ourselves; but as it has been 
hitherto omitted, we would modestly request (as you are the pastor of 
the first church that was gathered in the Old Colony, have the greatest 
advantages and opportunities for collecting all the historical facts and 
other materials that may be necessary for this work, and in every other 
respect are peculiarly qualified therefor) that you would upon the en- 
suing anniversary prepare and deliver a discourse " suitable to the time." 

Accordingly, on December 22, 1772, " (to- show our gratitude to 
the Creator and Preserver of our ancestors and ourselves, and as a 
mark of respect justly due to the memories of those heroic Chris- 
tians who, on the 22d of December, 1620, landed on this spot) the 
members of this Club joined a numerous and respectable assembly 
in the meeting-house of the First Parish in Plymouth, and after an 
hjTiin of praise and prayer to God, the Reverend M' Chandler 
Robbins delivered an historic and pathetic discourse." His sermon 
"closed with an address to the audience which did honor to human- 
ity and himself;" the "New England Hymn, composed by Docf 
Byles,^ sung with uncommon melody, finished the exercise;" then 
"the members of the Club, together with the reverend gentlemen 
of the clergy and others the most respectable of the congregation. 



1 See Rev. A. W. H. Eaton's Famous Mather Byles (1914), p. 110. 



304 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

repaired to the house of M"^ Rowland, where a table was spread and 
abundantly furnished with the various productions of this now 
fruitful country, at which the Hon^^^ General John Winslow pre- 
sided;" and "after partaking of these bounties, and spending a few 
hours in the most social conversation upon the history of our coun- 
try, the adventures of our ancestors, etc. (subjects at this time 
peculiarly pleasing), the company proceeded to Old Colony Hall, 
where the same sociability and harmony prevailed throughout the 
evening." ^ 

This celebration was thus noticed in the Boston Gazette of 
December 28, 1772: 

Tuesday the 22d of this instant December, was observed In the an- 
cient Town of Plymouth, as a Day of public Festivity, in Commemora- 
tion of the important Event, the Landing of their Forefathers in that 
Place. In the Morning the Rev'd. Mr. Robbins (having been previously 
requested) delivered to a numerous and respectable Congregation, (con- 
sisting of a Number of the Reverend Gentlemen of the Clergy and others, 
Inhabitants of Plymouth and the Towns in the Vicinity,) a Discourse 
adapted to the Occasion, from those remarkable Words of the Psalmist,^ 
... — The profound Silence and solemn Attention which was observ- 
able thro'out this vast Concourse of People, sufficiently demonstrated 
their Approbation of the Sentiments of the Speaker. — A plain and ele- 
gant Entertainment was prepared at a public House, at which the 
Gentlemen of the Clergy, and a large Number of others, the most re- 
spectable of the Congregation, were present. The Afternoon passed in 
recapitulating and recollecting a Variety of curious Anecdotes of our ven- 
erable Predecessors, Subjects at this Time peculiarly pleasing. — The 
Evening was spent at OLD COLONY-HALL, in the most social Man- 
ner. — Joy, Gratitude and Pleasure were apparent in the Countenances 
of every Person, through the whole of this agreeable Day and Evening 
(p. 2/2).3 

On January 6, 1772, the Rev. Charles Turner was invited by the 
Club to preach the next anniversary sermon; but the "uncommon 
harmony and pleasantry" that prevailed in 1771 had, owing to the 



1 Records, pp. 421-422, 424, 434-435. 

2 Here follows Psalms, Ixxviii. 5-7. 

2 The same notice also appeared in the Boston News Letter of January 7, 
1773, Supplement, p. 1/2. 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 305 

gromng political turmoil, disappeared before the anniversary day- 
was reached, and the records of the Old Colony Club itself, most of 
whose members were Loyalists, came to an abrupt end with an entry 
dated December 15, 1773.^ It is certain, however, that Mr. Turner's 
sermon was duly preached; and probably it was delivered before 
the Club, the town, and the First Parish.^ 
The celebration in 1774 was thus noticed in a Boston newspaper: 

Messieurs Edes & Gill, 

THE 22d of December was celebrated at Plymouth, in commemora- 
tion of the first landing of our Ancestors in New-England: — A 
learned and ingenious Discourse was delivered on the Occasion, by the 
Rev. Mr. Gad Hitchcock, of Pembroke, from Genesis 1, 31; and Psalms 
119, 134; which, for the honor of the dissenting Clergy, and for the bene- 
fit of mankind, will speedily be published. A splendid entertainment 
was provided at Mr. Howland's, and propriety and decorum marked the 
conduct of the day. We the Posterity of those illustrious Heroes are 
now suffering under the galling pressure of that power, an emancipation 
from which, was one grand object they had in view, in the settlement of 
this Western World ; in the prosecution of which divine enterprize, they, 
with christian magnanimity, surmounted the most discouraging obsta- 
cles; and it may safely be affirmed, that all the potent thunders of 
Britain, cannot reduce us to more tremendous sufferings, than those 
distinguished patrons of religion and freedom, animated by a sacred 
ardour, patiently endured. But, wonderful as it may seem, a pitiful 
number, who bear the names, and descended from the loins of these ever 
to-be-revered Patriots, by their infernal intrigues, and persevering ob- 
stinacy, have involved their native Country, enriched with the Blood of 
their Fathers, in accumulated Calamities and Distresses; but (by the 
gracious munificence of Heaven) many rays of light breaks through the 
gloom which surrounds us; and. Nil desperandum, Deo duce, et auspice 
Deo.3 

From 1774 to 1780, both included. Forefathers' Day was cele- 
brated by the town of Plymouth. For the next twelve years — 



' Records, p. 444. 

* The dedication reads: " To the ancient and respectable town of Plymouth, 
To all the descendants from the first Planters of the Old Plymouth Colony, 
and To his native Country, The following Sermon is inscribed By their as- 
sured Friend, and very humble Servant, C. TURNER." 

* Boston Gazette, January 2, 1775, p. 2/3. 



Y 



306 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

from 1781 to 1792, both Included — there was no celebration. In 
1793 the day was again celebrated, when a sermon was preached by 
the Rev. Chandler Robbins.^ Of the celebration in 1794, we have 
the following account : 

FEAST OF GRATITUDE. 

Plymouth, decemher 23, 1794. 

ESTERDAY, being the anniversary of the landing of our ancestors 
at this place, which was the first lasting settlement, made in New- 
England, a number of gentlemen of this and the neighboring towns con- 
vened to celebrate the day. With social glee and harmony, they partook 
of a frugal meal, which was designed to bring to remembrance the cir- 
cumstances of those good and great men, whose memories they were 
assembled to revere. Various anecdotes, respecting their emigration 
and settlement, were related by those, acquainted with the early history 
of the country; and the mind was led to recollect, with veneration and 
sublime pleasure, the daring enterprise, the noble zeal, and the deter- 
mined valor, of that illustrious band, who, in this place, laid the founda- 
tion of empire; and who prepared, in this western clime, an asylum for 
the persecuted and oppressed of the old world. — Several toasts were 
given, pertinent and sentimental; and the following ode, written for the 
occasion, was sung and repeated, with the most sensible satisfaction and 
pleasure.^ 

Then follows the ode written by Judge John Davis.^ If the day 
was celebrated in 1795 and 1796, no accounts have been found; but 
the celebration in 1797 was thus described: 



1 The only celebrations previous to 1797 of which I have found accounts in 
the newspapers are those of 1769, 1772, 1775, and 1794. 

2 Federal Orrery, December 25, 1794, p. 2/2. 

3 Much confusion exists in regard to this ode, which is variously said to have 
been wTitten in 1792, 1793, 1794, or 1799. The statement in the text would seem 
to be decisive in favor of 1794. It was printed not only in the Federal Orrery of 
December 25, but also in the Columbian Centinel of December 27, 1794 (p. 4/1), 
and very likely in other newspapers. It was also printed in the New England 
Palladium of December 25, 1801 (p. 1/2), under the heading "Native Poetry" 
and with this introductory note: "5^^ The following chaste and elegant pro- 
duction we believe has never been published. It deserves to be handed down 
with the memory of the interesting occasion which gave it birth." The "inter- 
esting occasion" is said to have been "the celebration of the Festival of the Sons of 
the Pilgrims, at Plymouth, 1793;" but Judge Davis's name is not attached to 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 307 

MR. RUSSELL, Plymouth, Dec. 23, 1797. 

I AM aware it will be a political apostacy with some people to trace up 
a descent from the wicked island of Great-Britain. But from no 
country wicked as it is, had I rather be descended than from that. The 



the ode. Neither Pilgrim nor Pilgrim Fathers occurs in the ode, which consists of 
eight stanzas, the first and sixth as follows (as printed in the Federal Orrery) : 

AN ODE, 

for the 22d of december, the anniversary of our 
ancestors' landing at Plymouth, 1620; — 

B Y 

JOHN DAVIS, ESQUIRE: 

SUNG BY 

CAPTAIN J. THOMAS. 

SONS of renowned sires, 
Join in harmonious choirs. 

Swell your loud songs: — 
Daughters of peerless dames, 
Come with your soft acclaims; 
Let their revered names 

Dwell on your tongues! 

Columbia, child of heaven — 
The best of blessings, given, 

Rest on thy head: 
Beneath thy peaceful skies. 
While prosperous tides arise, 
Here turn thy grateful eyes — 

Revere the dead! 

In every version of the ode I have seen from 1794 down to 1835, when it was 
included in the second edition of Thacher's History of the Town of Plymouth 
(pp. 342-343), the sixth stanza reads as printed above. But in Airs of the Pil- 
grims, appended to W. S. Russell's Guide to Plymouth, 1846, pp. 20-22, the sixth 
stanza reads as follows: 

Columbia, child of heaven, 
The best of blessings given, 

Be thine to greet; 
Hailing this votive day. 
Looking with fond survey, 
Upon the weary way, 

Of Pilgrim feet. 
Russell adds the following — 

Note. This copy has received the revisal of the venerable author of 
the composition, and is entirely conformable to the original, excepting in 



308 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OP MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

manners, the religion, and the future policy of a country are influenced 
for ages by the manner, the religion, and the sciences of the country of 
the first settlers. To the country of our forefathers, long illustrious for 
their treatment there, as well as the virtue and sufferings in this, are we 
indebted, with our own improvements, for the most of our civil enjoy- 
ments. Accordingly it has been a custom to commemorate their land- 
ing in this town, on the 22d Dec. 1620, by some public testimony of a 
gi-ateful recollection. This year it was likely to pass over in silence hy 
the gentlemen — sensible of this advantage, the young Ladies took up 
the neglected outcast like the daughter of P h a r o a h, and nourished 
it for their own. In the evening they gave the Gentlemen an elegant 
Ball; and the taste and decorations of the entertainment, were equalled 
only by the splendor of the usual constellation of beauty in the hall. 
In the midst of festi\dty our pleasures were by no means destitute of 
sentiment. A beautiful Ode, composed sometime since by J. Davis, 
furnished an agreeable interlude, in which the fanciful antiquarian 
might think himself conversant with his "rude forefathers." Indeed, 
the whole went on with the regular confusion that gives fluidity to 
mirth, and dancing and careless conversation, and charming good hu- 
mour gave way only to a spirited song composed by B. Seymour, 
which finished the evening. 

A. B.^ 



the fifth [error for sixth] verse, in which a variation has been introduced by 

him (p. 22). 

It thus appears that the word Pilgrim was introduced into the ode at some 
time between 1835 and 1846. In 1871 the late William T. Davis prepared for 
the press the "Proceedings of the Celebration by the Pilgrim Society at Plym- 
outh, December 21, 1870." In this volume (pp. 17-18) Judge Davis's ode is 
printed, as it appears in Russell's Airs of the Pilgrims (1846). At p. 198 Mr. 
Davis says: "The ode of Hon. John Davis is here printed as revised and cor- 
rected by its author about fifty years after it was written;" and then proceeds 
to give the sixth stanza as originally written. This statement, made by Mr. 
Davis himself in 1871, had, not unnaturallj'', completely gone from his mind 
by 1906, in which year he published his Plymouth Memories of an Octogena- 
rian, for in this work he said (p. 28): "The word Pilgrim, as apphed to the 
Plymouth settlers, was never used, as far as I can learn, for more than a 
hundred and seventy years after the landing. They were called 'first-comers' 
or 'forefathers' until 1794, when Judge John Davis, in his ode written for 
the anniversary celebration in that year first used the word 'Pilgrim' in the 
following verse." Mr. Davis then quotes the revised version of the sixth stanza 
of the ode. 

Judge John Davis graduated from Harvard College in 1781. 

1 Columbian Centinel, December 27, 1797, p. 2/4. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHER 309 

Of the celebration in 1798, the following account has been 
preserved: 

Celebration of our Forefathers. 

Plymouth, Dec. 25. 

THE 22d inst. being the anniversary of our forefathers landing in 
this place, was celebrated with every demonstration of decent con- 
viviahty and fihal respect. This was not confined to a few individuals, 
but excited a general joy, that pervaded the bosoms of hoary age and 
prattling childhood. A discharge of cannon announced the dawn, and 
the vessels in the harbour, among others the Governor Carver and 
Miles Standish, displayed their colours, in honor of those venerable 
worthies, whose names they bear. 

At 11 o'clock, the inhabitants of the town, accompanied by several 
respectable gentlemen from the vicinity, assembled in the meeting-house, 
where the Rev. Dr. Robbins, in a reverential and impressive manner, 
peculiar to himself, offered a solemn tribute of thanks to the Supreme 
Ruler of the Universe, for his divine and providential patronage, ex- 
tended to the small though illustrious band of heroes, who at this in- 
clement season began here, and by their indefatigable perseverance, 
effected a settlement, which, considered in all its circumstances, has 
scarcely a parallel in the annals of mankind. Doct. Zacheus Bartlett, 
in an oration, replete with good sense and a knowledge of antient his- 
tory, traced the general principles of emigration, feelingly pointed out 
the striking events which distinguished the enterprise of our ancestors, 
and introduced and enforced many excellent political observations. 

A hjTnn adapted to the occasion, and the appropriate Ode of " Sons of 
renovmed Sires," composed for a former celebration, closed the exer- 
cises. In the afternoon a large company partook of a dinner, provided 
by IVir. Wethrell, in which were to be found all the varieties, that 
our bays, shores and woods afford, and the pleasures of the social board, 
decorated with a piece of the consecrated rock, were heightened by com- 
memorating the eventful scenes, of which our mother towTi has been 
the theatre. The favorite songs of "Adams and Liberty," "Hail Co- 
lumbia," ^ and the aforementioned Ode were sung with great animation 
and applause, and among others the following toasts were drank. 

^ Of these two "favorite songs," one was famous in its day and the other re- 
mains so. The following advertisement appeared in Claypoole's American Daily 
Advertiser (Philadelphia) of April 25, 1798: 

New Theatre. MR. FOX's NIGHT. This Evening, April 25, BY DESIRE. 
Will be presented, . . . The Italian Monk. . . . After which, an intire new 



310 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The day. 

Our Forefathers. May the blessings purchased by their perseverance, suffer- 
ings and toils, enkindle a flame of gratitude in the bosoms of their descendants, 
that shall be extinguished only by the last beat of their hearts. 

The antient town of Plymouth. May every view of the consecrated rock, excite 
in its inhabitants, an emulation of the enterprize and industry of the first 
settlers. 

The venerable Sachem Massasoit, whose imshaken adherence to treaties, 
forms a dignified contrast, to the "punic faith" of modem Frenchmen. 

song, (written by a Citizen of Philadelphia) to the tune of the "President's March." 
Will be sung by Mr.- Fox; accompanied by the full band, and a grand chorus 
(p. 3/1). 

In the same paper of April 27 we read: 

NEW THEATRE. Mrs. Francis's Night. THIS EVENING, April 27, 
Will be presented a new Comedy, . . . called TIT FOR TAT. ... In the 
course of the Comedy Mr. Fox will, for the second time and by particular de- 
sire, sing a new Song (written by a Citizen of Philadelphia) to the tune of the 
PRESIDENT'S MARCH (p. 3/3). 

Under the title of "SONG," the words were printed in the same paper of Satur- 
day, April 28 (p. 1/2), and in the same issue it was stated that "On Monday 
afternoon will be published At Carr's Musical Repository, The very favourite 
New Federal Song As sung by Mr. Fox at the New Theatre, written by J. Hop- 
Idnson, Esq — adapted for the voice, piano forte, flute, violin, guittar and clarinet, 
and ornamented with a very elegant Portrait of the President Price 25 cents" (p. 
2/2). Under the title of "NEW SONG," Hail Columbia was printed in the 
Columbian Centinel of May 2, preceded by this note: "The following has been 
sung on the boards of Philadelphia. Every man of the least musical talents, ought 
to learn it, and sing it to his fellow citizens" (p. 3/1). 

The following advertisement appeared in the Colximbian Centinel of Wednes- 
« day. May 30, 1798: 

Adams and Liberty. ON FRIDAY Morning wiU be pubHshed from the press 
of Thomas and Andrews, and sold at all the Book-stores, The BOSTON PATRI- 
OTIC SONG, Called, ADAMS & LIBERTY. Written by Thomas Paine, a. m. 
To be sung at the Anniversary Meeting of the Massachusetts Charitable Fire 
Society, on that day (p. 3/2). 

The same paper of June 2 stated: 

CHARITABLE FIRE SOCIETY. Yesterday, at the Anniversary of the 
Charitable Fire Society, an excellent and well adapted Oration was delivered by 
Judge Tudor, to the most numerous and brilliant Assembly we have seen on any 
similar occasion. The Boston patriotic song of "Adams and Liberty," written 
by Mr. Paine, was simg and re-echoed amidst the loudest reiterated plaudits. 
Dr. Fay did great justice to its merits (p. 2/4). 

In the same paper of June 2 (p. 3/2) Mr. Barrett announced that he would 
sing the song at his benefit on June 4, and it was printed in the same paper of 
June 9 (p. 1/3). Dr. Nahum Fay (H. C. 1790) and Giles Leonard Barrett are 
the persons alluded to. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 311 

Success to the Fisheries, and unfading laurels to the able negociators, who 
secured to the United Slates this incalculable source of wealth, and nursery of 
seamen. 

Governor Sumner. May his Administration be as wise and pm-e, and his 
memory as lasting and precious, as the first Governor of the Old Colony. 

The memory of Dr. Jeremy Belknap. May some future Biographer, render 
that justice to his exalted merit, which his masterly historic pages, have done to 
our illustrious ancestors. 

Congress. May it be purged from the unblushmg perfidy of Mason,^ and the 
polluted saliva of Lyon.' 

The warm political feelings of the time were hinted at by the 
Plymothean who wrote the account of the 1797 celebration. The 
main exercises of the day were always conducted with dignity at 
Plymouth, but the informal entertainments which followed afforded 
opportunities for the display of partizanship which were not neg- 
lected; and the toasts offered in 1798 drew from a Boston newspaper 
the following criticism : 

THE CELEBRATION OF OUR FOREFATHERS 
AT PLYMOUTH 

By their truly pious and worthy Minister and others of the primitive 
stamp as to Religion and Polities (as given in Saturday's Centinel) does 
real honor to the memory of their departed worthies. The doings of 
some Federalists of the modern stamp after Dinner, is a melancholy dis- 
covery that in Plymouth as well as Boston, there are too many of their 
Posterity who dishonor them by their sentiments and practises, and 
are melancholy evidences that they are indeed the degenerate Plants 
of a NOBLE Vine.' 

The Rev. Chandler Robbins died jn 1799 and was succeeded by 
the Rev. James Kendall, who was ordained on January 1, 1800. 
Hence in 1799 "The day was so near that appointed for the ordina- 
tion of the Rev. Mr. Kendall, that it was not celebrated by a public 



1 Stevens Thomson Mason, United States Senator from Virginia; Matthew 
Lyon, Member of Congress from Vermont. The following toast was offered at 
the celebration of Washington's birthday at Concert Hall: "May the Lion of 
the Green Mountains be considered by every good citizen as the nieanest rep- 
tile in creation: — the pismire of America" (Columbian Centinel, February 24, 
1798, p. 2/4). 

* Columbian Centinel, January 5, 1799, p. 1/3. 

» Independent Chronicle, January 7, 1799, p. 3/2. 



312 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF aL\SSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

discourse; " ^ nor, apparently, by a private meeting. Of the cele- 
bration in 1800, we read: 

FEAST 

Of THE "SONS OF THE PILGRIMS" at 

PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth, Dec. 24, ISOO. 

THE anniversary of the first landing of our Fore-fathers in this town, 
which forms a distinguished era in the history of our country, was 
celebrated on the 22d instant, in a manner worthy the interesting 
occasion. . . . 

Wlien assembled in the sanctuary, the Rev. Mr. Kendall, intro- 
duced the exercises, with an appropriate prayer, . . . After singing an 
ode, composed for the celebration, by a gentleman of the town, who 
has taken deep draughts at the "castalian fount;" John Davis Esq. 
delivered a discourse, in which with liis accustomed ability and delicacy, 
he traced the heaven born Pilgrims,^ through the immense toils, hard- 
ships and perils, they were compelled to conflict with, from debilitating 
scarcity, and pestilential disease, from the rage of the elements, and the 
desolating sword of the wilderness, from the first impression of their 
feet, on the shores of this new world, until their settlement assumed the 
face of security, and in a natural as well as moral sense, " the wilderness 
blossomed as the rose." In fact, tliis discourse, will be a valuable ac- 
quisition as a picturesque and correct historical epitome, of one of the 
most stupendous enterprizes, recorded in the annals of time, and effected 
by a set of worthies, who exliibited a hardihood of character, and a dig- 
nified christian philanthropy, unknown in the systems, or to the feelings, 
of infidel philosophers. 

The services concluding, with another ode, sung on former similar 
occasions; a very large number of the inhabitants of Plymouth, with 
strangers of the first distinction, both of the clergy and laity, met at 
Mr. WethereWs and were richly regaled, from a table plentifully fur- 
nished, . . . 



1 T. M. Harris's Discourse (1808), p. 32. 

2 This word appeared for the first time at Plymouth in the oration delivered 
that day by Judge Davis, who said: "Driven by storms, or deceived by their 
ship master, instead of their place of destination, this spot is selected for settle- 
ment, and this day completes one hundred and eighty years, since your soil was 
first impressed by the weary feet of those illustrious pilgrims" (in J. Morse and 
E. Parish, Compendious History of New England, 1804, p. 375). 



1914] THE TERM PILGREH FATHERS 313 

After this congenial entertainment, the following toasts were drank 
by the company with great cordiaUty. . . . 

The memory of the governors Carver, Winslow, Prince and Bradford. In whom 
were eminently combined, the suavity of a Sumner, the inteUigence of a Bowdoin, 
the fortitude of a Trumbull, and the energy of a Gilman} . . . 

The memory of the intrepid Captain Miles Standish, who, by his active vigi- 
lance, in shielding the illustrious Pilgrims, from the remorseless tomahawk, 
merited, like Lincoln^ the appellation of the christian hero. . . . 

The Boston pilgrim society .^ Descended from the same renowned origin, may 
no other emulation be known, than a solicitude of superior excellence. 

Toasts were also drunk to John Adams, Governor Strong, Massa- 
soit, Uncas, the memory of Dr. Belknap; and "A splendid ball in 
the evening, in which the ladies, brightened by their charms, the 
scene of hilarity, closed the celebration; and perfect decency and 
rational enjoyment were the order of the day." * 

In 1801 an interesting piece of pageantry^ was performed: 



1 Increase Sumner, Governor of Massachusetts; James Bowdoin, Governor 
of Massachusetts; Jonathan Trumbull (H. C. 1759), Governor of Connecticut; 
John Taylor Gilman, Governor of New Hampshire. 

2 Presumably the reference is to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. 

* Though called the "Boston pilgrim society," I do not imderstand that those 
who celebrated Forefathers' Day in Boston had a regular organization. 

* Columbian Centinel, December 31, 1800, p. 1. 

* In a book just published Ralph Davol says: 

A procession through the streets of floats, on which historic occasions are 
rigidly impersonated by "live people trying to look like dead ones," is commonly 
called a pageant in America, for example at Philadelphia, or the Hudson- 
Fulton celebration. . . . Research as to the beginning of modern American 
Pageants indicates that the spirit was manifest as early as 1627 at the Merry 
Mount revels. The Meschianza given by British soldiers at Philadelphia in 
the Revolution was an old English pageant. The first use of the name "pageant" 
the writer has been able to find applied to a community festival in America was 
.at Marietta, Ohio, (1888). This was before modern pageants became the rage 
in England (Handbook of American Pageantry, 1914, pp. 27, 31). 

Mr. Davol does not say when the procession of floats at Philadelphia took 
place, but perhaps he refers to the one that occurred there on July 4, 1788, 
of which a description, beginning as follows, will be found in the Columbian 
Magazine for July, 1788: 

ON Friday the fourth day of July, 1788, the citizens of Philadelphia, in 
commemoration of the great event of American Independence, and in 
honour of the ratification of the Federal Constitution by Ten of the United 
States, presented the most brilliant and interesting spectacle that ever oc- 
curred in the annals of the new world, and which has scarcely been surpassed by 



314 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF ]VL\SSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Plymouth, Dec. 25. 
The anniversary of the landing of our ancestors, at Plymouth, was 
celebrated here on the 22d inst. with filial piety, and affectionate regard. 
The usual procession was formed, headed by the public officers, and 
consisting of the inhabitants of all ages, with many gentlemen of dis- 
tinction from the vicinity, preceded by Capt. Turner's independent 
company, in complete uniform; and making a circuit round the town, 
escorted the officiating clergyman, accompanied by several of his re- 
spectable brethren, to the meeting-house of the Rev. Mr. Kendall. 
After a solemn address to Heaven, and singing an appropriate ode, the 
Rev. Mr. Allyne, of Duxborough, in a well chosen discourse, delighted 
a crouded audience, by pourtraying with great energy of illustration, 
the exalted character of the Pilgrims, . . . The solemnities of public 
worship being ended, the gentlemen were sumptuously regaled with all 
the varieties of fish and wild meat the climate affords at this season, at 
Old Colony, and Freedom Halls; no one room being spacious enough to 
accommodate the whole company. After dinner, the following toasts 
were drank at Old Colony Hall: . . . 



the splendor of the ancient or modern triumphs of Asia or of Europe (ii. 391- 
400). 

Fifty-eight trades and professions were represented, and "The number of 
persons in the procession has been calculated (but we think too low) at 5000, 
and it is hkewise said that there were'about 17,000 on Union Green" (ii. 400). 
This, however, was not the earUest procession of the sort. The Federal Consti- 
tution was ratified by the Massachusetts Convention on February 6, 1788, 
and on February 8th a huge procession of trades took place in Boston. This, 
declared the Massachusetts Centinel of February 9th, was "an exhibition, to 
which America has never witnessed an equal; and which has exceeded any thing 
of the kind, Europe can boast of" (viii. 169. See also the issue of February 
13th, viii. 174). "The Processions in our Capitals," said the Massachusetts 
Spy of August 7, 1788, "have hitherto been novelties in this country. That at 
Boston, on account of the State's adopting the Federal Constitution, was the 
first — since which almost every capital town in the United States, among other 
demonstrations of joy for the Federal Constitution, have produced a Proces- 
sion" (p. 1/4). 

The word "pageant," which Mr. Davol has not found in this country earlier 
than 1888, was employed in a somewhat unexpected quarter in 1852, when 
Lieutenant John W. Gunnison described under that name the dedication by 
the Mormons of their temple at Nauvoo just before being driven from that place 
in 1846, and "the presentation" at Salt Lake City, a few years later, "to the 
governor of Deseret of the Constitution of the United States, and their own, 
for his and his successors' guardian care" (The Mormons, or, Latter-Day Saints, 
pp. 132, 138). The word also occurs, applied to celebrations on Pope Night, 
as early as 1752 (Massachusetts Archives, xlvii. 357.) 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 315 

An Indian, dressed in the habilaments of a sachem, met Capt. Turner 
in the place where Massasoit was first discovered, and the emblems of 
peace and friendship, which were interchanged, brought into view, an 
interesting scene, that existed soon after the arrival of our ancestors. 
A sprightly ball at Old Colony Hall, in which the ladies, by their par- 
ticipation, heightened the social enjoyment, crowned the anniversary 
festival.'- 

In 1802 among the toasts were the following: 

Christianity and the Clergy : — Washington believed — Adams be- 
lieves, and what if Tom Paine and his friend ^ do not believe? 

May the New-England sun of federalism, which illumines a Strong, a 
Trumbull, a Oilman, and a Tichenor, no longer suffer a partial eclipse in 
the state of Rhode-Island.^ 

Our Sucktash and our Choioder:^ — May they never be supplanted by 
the soup-meagre of France, or the revolutionary whiskey of the ancient 
dominion. 

The memory of a Belhiap, a Phillips, a Lowell, and a Minot ^ — 
Worthy of being enrolled among New-England Sages. 

The President of these United States — May he, by his future ad- 
ministration, prove that he has at heart the good of his country.^ 

In 1803 the Rev. John T. Kirkland delivered "a pathetic prayer 
and very excellent discourse;" from "this mental feast, about one 
hundred gentlemen, with grateful hearts, retired to the 'Feast of 
Shells,' ^ which displayed a sumptuous variety, consisting, not of 
clams and succatash alone, but of the more delicious rarities of th0 
soil and forest : — nor was the table abandoned until the cheering 
glass, accompanied by the usual number of toasts, both appropriate 
and patriotic, closed the interesting scene;" in the evening, "the 



1 Columbian Centinel, December 30, 1801, pp. 2-3. 

2 The allusions here are to the English Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. 

' Caleb Strong, Governor of Massachusetts; Isaac Tichenor, Governor of 
Vermont. 

* The earhest example of chowder quoted in the Oxford Enghsh Dictionary 
is under date of 1762. Versified "Directions for making a Choxjder" were 
printed in the Boston Evening Post of September 23, 1751, p. 2/1. 

^ Rev. Jeremy Belknap; Samuel Phillips (H. C. 1771), Lieutenant-Governor 
of Massachusetts; John Lowell (H. C. 1760); George Richards Minot (H. C. 
1777). 

6 New England Palladium, December 28, 1802, pp. 2-3. 

' For this term, rarely met with at Plymouth, see p. 327, below. 



316 THE COLONLiL SOCIETY OF RIASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

decorated Hall was crouded by a brilliant assembly of ladies and 
gentlemen, the progeny of the Pilgrims;" and among the "toasts 
drank by the younger sojis of the Pilgrims in the Town House" were the 
following: 

3. " The enlightened government of France." — May it be remu- 
nerated for the quit-claim of Louisiana, while our citizens "manage 
their own affairs in their own way, unopposed by fiscal exactions." 

7. " The daughters of pierless dames." ^ — May they never put off 
the swaddling clothes of their pristine virtue, in exchange for the habli- 
ments of a Walstoncraft.'-^ 

In 1804 it was "a proud reflection, that native hjrmns and odes 
furnished the songs, and the joy of the day;" and in the afternoon 
"a large company of citizens, and literary strangers, partook of an 
elegant dinner, where the moral and votive festivity of the enter- 
taimnent was occasionally enlivened by the following toasts; and 
a brilliant Ball ^ sent away the night in song:'" 

6. John Adams, late President of the United States: — Whose pri- 
vate rectitude and honor, the slanderous tongue of party has never 
dared to assail. ... 8. The memory of Gen. Hamilton — " whose 
developement of truth, was lucid as its path." ... 12. The constitu- 
tional power of impeachment. "It poisons Justice, when the rancour 
of party tinctures her current." . . . The Upas of Monticello. May 
Judge Chase ^ keep to the windward. . . . Johnny Randolph.* May 
he find it a hard chase to run down an independent Judge.^ 

These toasts drew from a Boston Republican paper the following 
comment : 

THE federalists, in every transaction, evidence the folly and incon- 
sistency of their conduct. The Plymouth pilgrims have carefully 
confined their approbation of John Adams to his private character; and 
under this distinction, have presumed to screen their disapprobation 
of his public acts. Their toast is, "John Adams, late President of the 
U. S. whose private rectitude and honor, the slanderous tongue of party 

^ See Judge Davis's ode, p. 306 note 3, above. The allusion at the close of the 
toast is of course to Mary WoUstonecraft Godwin (1759-1797). 
2 New England Palladium, December 30, 1803, p. 2/5. 
^ Judge Samuel Chase was impeached. 
* John Randolph of Roanoke. 
^ Columbian Centinel, December 29, 1804, p. 2/4. 



19141 THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 317 

has never dared to assail." This is altogether applied to his private 
"rectitude and honor." But, in a subsequent toast, they reprobate in 
the strongest terms his public conduct; which is thus evinced — "the 
memory of Gen. Hamilton, whose developement of truth, was lucid as 
its path." — Every man knows what Hamilton wrote about Mr. Adams: 
if then he was accurate in what he said, surely Mr. A. was of all men 
the most improper person for President. Thus glares the inconsistency 
of these modern pilgrims — Hamilton was " lucid in the developement 
of truth," when he calumniated Mr. Adams in his political reputation!! ^ 

In the following letter we have a suggestion that was not car- 
ried into effect until twelve years later: 

PILGRIMS. 

THE important atchievements and pious examples of illustrious 
characters of former times, are both interesting and instructive to 
rising generations. Among the glorious events recorded in our history, 
none claim our grateful recollection more, than the pilgi'image of our 
venerable fore-fathers. As a testimony of high respect for their char- 
acters and memory, the anniversary of their landing and establishment 
on our shores, should be commemorated as "the glory of children are 
their fathers." What scene can be more interesting to the best feeHngs 
of the human heart, than a social union, celebrating the virtues and 
recounting the suiferings of our pious ancestors. While in the full en- 
joyment of their inestimable inheritance, let it not be imagined that 
prosperity has contracted our hearts, or debased our character; but, 
let us pay our annual tribute to their shrine, and perpetuate the theme* 
to future generations. Plymouth should be the consecrated spot; there 
the footsteps of our fathers, the revered rock, and their more sacred 
relics are proper objects to employ our contemplations and animate 
our zeal. The duties of the anniversary have for several years past de- 
volved upon a few individuals, and although we express no apprehension 
that the genuine sons of the Pilgrims will " be weary in well doing," yet 
inauspicious circumstances may exist by which the occasion may be 
perverted, or the celebration discontinued. It is therefore extremely 
desirable, that an institution for the purpose should be established, upon 
principles honorable to ourselves, and to those whose virtues we com- 
memorate. The writer would propose, that an association be formed, 
to be denominated the Pilgrim Society. The number of members to 



1 Independent Chronicle, January 3, 1805, p. 2/4. 



318 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF RL^SSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

consist of 101, corresponding with the number of the first settlers. 
Whether the members should be selected from the native inhabitants 

ft 

of the late Old Colony exclusively, the writer is not prepared to deter- 
mine; nor is he tenacious of the precise number, should that be deemed 
inadequate to the purpose intended. The first object of the society 
should be, to render permanent the celebration of the anniversary. — 
By assessment or subscription, a fund should be raised, and a proper 
edifice erected for the festive occasion. In one of its apartments may 
be deposited such appropriate portraitures and antiquities, as can be 
procured. A valuable collection might probably be obtained, by dona- 
tions from those who are generously disposed to promote the vjews of 
the institution. A monument, erected contiguous to the edifice, and 
inscribed to the memory of the Pilgrims, would be a valuable acquisi- 
tion. But the particular objects which the institution may embrace, as 
also the necessary arrangements for its formation, are reserved for future 
consideration. The foregoing observations are intended merely to 
solicit attention to the subject. The scheme is at present immature — 
it is expected that it will receive improvement, or a more eligible one be 
devised. A. B.^ 

Plymouth, Jan. 3, 1807. 

In 1816 the sermon was preached on December 22, which that 
year fell on Sunday; but on Monday "a large and respectable num- 
ber of citizens and strangers, partook of an excellent dinner," at 
which "appropriate toasts and occasional songs added to the 
pleasure of the festival;" and "A splendid Ball in the evening 
graced with the beauty and elegance of a brilliant collection of the 
'Daughters of peerless Dames,' concluded the celebration." ^ 

The following accounts of the celebrations in 1817, 1818, and 1819 
are given, because they indicate the nature of the discourses de- 
livered in those years, which were never printed. 

THE PILGRIM ANNIVERSARY 

Was celebrated at Plymouth, on Monday last, in the usual appropriate 
style, and with undiminished interest. The severity of the weather did 
not prevent a full attendance on the exercises and entertainments of 
the day. The address by the Rev. Mr. Holley, corresponded to the 



* Columbian Centinel, January 7, 1807, p. 2/3. 
« Columbian Centinel, December 28, 1816, p. 2/3. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 319 

high expectations which were entertained, and his admiring audience 
will long cherish the remembrance of a performance in which just and 
elevated sentiments, embodied in the happiest expression, were de- 
livered with peculiar grace and oratorical ability. It was the first visit 
of Mr. HoLLEY to the Old Colony. Early in the morning of the anni- 
versary he viewed the places, which, from any peculiar circumstance, 
are considered as the most striking memorials of The Fathers, and in 
the short interval between the return from his walk about town and 
taking his assigned place in the desk, he was introduced to some aged 
inhabitants, whose communications suggested considerations, which 
he thought appUcable to the occasion. The reflections originating from 
these sources, and from ascertaining his own descent from an ancient 
settler in the territory, formed an apt and pleasing introduction to his 
Discourse, and created a sympathy of the happiest tendency. The 
eloquent speaker was followed by his audience with cheerful, animated 
and unremitted attention through the train of refined and weighty con- 
siderations which he ingeniously associated with the subject. It will 
not be attempted, in this notice, to analyze the Discourse. With its 
fine polish, there was a solidity of material, rendering it a most accept- 
able intellectual entertainment, and we hope that the request of the 
Selectmen, of a copy for publication, will not be denied.^ . . . 

LANDING OF OUR FOREFATHERS. 

Plymouth, Dec. 26, 1818. The Landing of our Forefathers at^ Plym- 
outh was celebrated at that place on the 22d inst. by the inhabitants 
of that ancient town and its vicinity. — The descendants of the Pilgrims, 
forgetting all differences of party and opinion, united to celebrate the 
occasion with an affectionate remembrance of their common origin. A 
procession was formed at 11 o'clock, and escorted to the Meeting-House 
the Rev. Mr. Kendall by the Standish Guards, a new military corps, 
under the command of Capt. Weston,^ who now made their first public 
appearance, and by their correct discipline and military appearance 
proved themselves worthy of their illustrious name and descent. — The 
anniversary oration was delivered by the Hon. Wendell Davis, of 
Sandwich, and gave high satisfaction to a crowded audience. It was an 
animated and eloquent description of the toils and sufferings, the pious 
resignation and triumphant perseverance of our venerable Ancestors.^ . . . 

1 Columbian Centinel, December 27, 1817, p. 2/3. 

' Coomer Weston. 

» Columbian Centinel, December 30, 1818, p. 2/3. 



320 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Plymouth, Dec. 25, 1819. 

THE landing of our Forefathers, at Plymouth, was celebrated at 
that place by their descendants on the 22d, with filial gratitude 
and joy. The celebration was conducted by the Pilgrim Society, which 
has recently been established to commemorate this distinguished en- 
terprise, and to perpetuate the respect, which is due to those illustrious 
men, who, surrounded by danger and exalted by religion, became the 
founders of an empire. . . . An eloquent and interesting address was 
delivered by Francis C. Gray Esq. of Boston, who delighted a crowded 
assembly by displaying the toils and sufferings, the ardent piety and 
triumphant perseverance of our venerable ancestors, connected with 
impressive inculcations of maxims, principles and practice correspond- 
ing to the illustrious model suggested by the occasion.^ . . . 

It is usually stated that the first celebration under the auspices 
of the Pilgrim Society ^ was in 1820, when Daniel Webster delivered 

^ Columbian Centinel, December 29, 1819, p. 2/2. 

2 In 1832 Thacher said: "1820. — As the present year closes the second 
centmy since the pilgrim fathers first landed on our shores, a respectable number 
of inhabitants of this town, impelled by a sense of duty and pious gratitude to 
divine Providence, have instituted a society, which was by our legislature in- 
corporated February 24th, by the name of Pilgrim Society" (p. 246). In 1847 a 
writer stated that "a society was formed, November 9, 1819, by the name of the 
'Old Colony Pilgrim Society,' and immediately went into operation. . . . On 
February 24, 1820, the Society was incorporated and made a body politic, by 
the name of the 'Pilgrim Society.' . . . The 'Landing of our Forefathers' was 
first celebrated by the Pilgrim Society December 22, 1820, that being the com- 
pletion of the second century since the settlement of New England, or the land- 
ing of the Pilgrims" (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, i. 119). 

The following is a correct statement of what occurred. The first entry in 
the records of the Pilgrim Society states that at a meeting of certain citizens 
of Plymouth at the house of Joshua Thomas on November 9, 1819, it was 
voted "To form a society for the above purpose (to commemorate the Landing 
of the Fathers in the Town of Plymouth)." The next entry is, "Voted, That 
the name of the society be the Old Colony Pilgrim Society." A committee 
was then appointed to obtain an act of incorporation at the next session of the 
General Court, wliich began on January 12, 1820; and "An Act to incorporate 
the Pilgrim Society" was passed, and was approved by the Governor on Jan- 
uary (not February) 24, 1820. The first section enacted "That John Watson, 
Joshua Thomas, Beza Hayward, William Davis, and Barnabas Hedge, . . . be, 
and they hereby are incorporated into a society, by the name of the Pilgrim 
Society," etc. The second section enacted "That the time and place, for hold- 
ing the first meeting of said society, may be appointed by any three of the 
aforementioned persons, by giving their notice thereof, in the Columbian Centi- 
nel, printed in Boston," etc. (Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
1822, pp. 309-310; Private and Special Statutes of the Commonwealth of 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 321 

his famous oration; but the last extract shows that the celebration 
of 1819 was "conducted by" the Pilgrim Society, on which occasion 
Mr. Gray, the orator, gave a toast to "The Pilgrim Society — in- 
stituted in honor of the Forefathers, may it be durable as their fame." 
On the same day, also, "an elegant standard, with appropriate em- 
blems, the gift of some gentlemen of Plymouth, was presented to 
the Standish Guards, from the rock of our Forefathers, by John 
Watson, Esq.;" and "the usual sequel to the entertainments of 
this anniversary, a Ball, in the evening, gave a cheerful close to the 
exercises of the day." ^ 

Massachusetts, 1823, v. 334). Accordingly, the following notice was inserted 
in the Columbian Centinel of May 10, 1820 (p. 3/1): 

PILGRIM SOCIETY. 

THE Subscribers being authorized by an act, entitled, an act "to incorporate 
the Pilgrim Society," to appoint the time and place for the holding the 
first meeting of said Society; hereby give notice, that a meeting of said Society 
will be held at the Court-House, in Plymouth, on THURSDAY, eighteenth 
day of May instant, ten of the clock, A.M. for the purpose of choosing such 
Officers as may be deemed expedient; of establishing such bye-laws, as may be 
necessary to regulate said Society, and of acting and doing all other matters 
and things, requisite to carry the objects of the association into effect. 

JOHN WATSON, 
JOSHUA THOMAS, 
BEZA HAYWARD, 
WILLIAM DAVIS, 
BARNABAS HEDGE. 
Plymouth, May 5, 1820. 

No meeting of the Society was held between November 9, 1819, and May 18, 
1820; and the records of the Society state that the latter meeting was " To 
organize the Society under the act of incorporation." Hence it is impossible to 
say exactly when the committee appointed to obtain an act of incorporation 
concluded to alter the name from the Old Colony Pilgrim Society to the Pil- 
grim Society; but the passage quoted in the text shows that the change must 
have taken place before December 22, 1819. A notice, beginning as follows, 
was printed in the Columbian Centinel of June 21, 1820 (p. 2/3): 

PILGRIM SOCIETY. 

The Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, in the month 
of December, 1620, has been publicly celebrated in that ancient town for a 
series of years. Considerations connected with that memorable event, have 
given rise to the " Pilgrim Society." . . . 

The following officers of the Society were chosen the 29th May: . . . 

^ Mr. Watson's address and the reply of Ensign Randall are printed in the 
Columbian Centinel of December 29, 1819, p. 2. 



322 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Of the celebration In 1820 we read that " The ball in the evening 
was attended by more than 600, of all ages; and the costume of the 
Ladies was at once beautiful and uniform; uniting to real elegance 
the simpUcity of their venerable foremothers;" and that among the 
toasts drunk were the following: ^ 

8. New England's Worthies — and the memory of their illustrious 
biographers — Belknap and Eliot. ■ 

9. The character of William Penn. 

The memory of Lady Arabella Johnson,^ the Queen of the Pil- 
grims, and a Martyr in their cause. 

The memory of Gov. Winthrop; the friend and protector of the 
Plymouth Pilgrims. 

The memory of Gov. Endicott; worthy to be the Chief Magistrate 
of a Colony of Puritans.^ 

Boston Celebrations 

The following letter was printed in the Boston Gazette of Decem- 
ber 28, 1772 (p. 2/3): 

Messi'rs Edes & Gill, 

I Was Yesterday informed that the Inhabitants of the ancient Town 
of Plymouth celebrated the Anniversary of the Landing of their An- 
cestors in that Town, in a Manner which demonstrated their Sense of 
the invaluable Blessings of that Liberty for which their Fathers left 
their native Country; and also their Gratitude to the supreme Disposer 
of all Events, under whose Direction they steered to this new World, 
and by whose Assistance their arduous Undertaking was so happily ac- 
complished — The whole Colony of Plymouth are under indispensable 
Obligations to be ever mindful of those Vertues which so eminently dis- 
tinguished their illustrious Progenitors. — Nor can it be supposed that the 
respectable Town of Salem, the most ancient Settlement in what was 
called the Massachusetts Colony, can suffer the memorable Day to 
pass unnoticed, in which their ever honored Predecessors first reached 



1 Columbian Centinel, December 27, 1820, p. 2/5-6. 

2 Lady Arbella Johnson, daughter of Thomas CHnton (alias Fiennes), third 
Earl of Lincoln, and her husband Isaac Johnson came with Winthrop in 1630, 
the admiral (or most considerable ship) of his fleet having received her name. 
Both she and her husband died shortly after their arrival. 

* For a bibliography of the Plymouth discourses, see pp. 384-391, below. 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 323 

the American Shore: And the most publiek Demonstration of their 
Thankfulness to the great Governor of the Universe, as well as a firm 
and steady Resolution to do all in their Power to transmit to their 
Posterity the noble Birthrights derived from those Ancestors — is what 
God and their Fellow Countrymen have the justest Right to expect 
from them. 

PHILADELPHUS. 
Nahant Beach, Dec. 24, 1772. 

This suggestion appears to have fallen on deaf ears. But in 1797 
the Rev. Jeremy Belknap and others are said to have held a private 
celebration in honor not of the first settlers at Salem or at Boston 
but of those at Plymouth, though of this I have been unable to find a 
contemporary account. In 1798, however, a public celebration took 
place. Up to this time, as already pointed out, the Plymquth cele- 
brations had always been dignified and free from partizan politics, 
but at once the Boston celebrations became a high Federalist car- 
nival. In an interleaved copy of Thomas's Almanack for 1798, the 
Rev. John Eliot recorded: "Dec. 22. Dined Concert Hall. Feast 
of Shells." ^ In the Massachusetts Mercury of December 25 ap- 
peared this — 

APOLOGY. 



It is with regret that we feel ourselves obliged to omit the details 
of the celebration of the most important day in our History — the ar- 
rival of our Forefathers. They are in Press and situated exactly in the 
place of the preceeding News — and was the only matter which could be 
withdrawn without a total derangement of om* form. JBi^They shall 
appear on Friday (p. 2/4). 

In the Columbian Centinel of December 26 was printed this 
announcement: 

TO OUR READERS. 

JS@°We are necessitated to defer many articles intended and pre- 
pared for this day — Amongst others the particulars of " The Feast of 
the Sons of the Pilgrims" (p. 2/4). 

1 I am indebted .to our associate Mr. Worthington C. Ford for suggesting that 
something might be found in EUot's interleaved almanacs, but unfortunately 
there was nothing in them relating to the meeting said to have taken place in 
1797. 



324 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The following 'account appeared in the Massachusetts Mercury 
of December 28 : 

TOASTS 

DRANK AT THE CELEBRATION OF OUR 

COUNTRY'S NATIVITY. 

The 177th Anniversary of the arrival of our Forefathers at Plymouth, 
was celebrated by a respectable Company at Concert Hall, on Saturday 
last. Gen. Lincoln presided, and Joseph Russell, Esq. was Vice 
President. A Dinner, composed of similar food to what sustained our 
renowned Predecessors, in the arduous task of commencing our Country, 
was provided. The Hall was decorated with the sacred Portraits and 
bright Swords of our pious and brave Ancestors. The Independent 
Spirit of their Sires, is fully inherited by their sons. The innovations 
of the Mother Country were opposed with a Courage which commands 

Success nor is the same energy wanting to repel the attempts of 

any other Power. The Genius, Integrity and Patriotism of this large 
and respectable Company is amply evidenced by the following Toasts. 

" The Pilgrims of Leyden." — May the Empire which has sprung from their 
labours be permanent as the rock of their landing. 

John Robinson, of whom it was declared hard to judge whether he dehghted most 
in having such a people, or they in having such a pastor. 

Governor Carver — The leader of the illustrious band, and an early victim to 
the hardships of their enterprize. 

Governor Bradford. — Who sought to avoid, not to obtain office; a man of 
fidelity and honor. 

William Brewster, ruling elder — to whom his Bible and his arms were alike 
familiar. 

Edward Winslow. — Who, "excellent in parts and wisdom," in all his diplo- 
matic conduct, "cleared the country from blame and dishonor." 

Miles Standish. — The militarj'^ commander of the Pilgrims, foremost in 
every hazardous enterprize, brave in combat, and forbearing in victory. 

John Winthrop. — Father and Governor of Massachusetts, "who overcame 
others by overcoming himself," and also had the honor of being callumniated by 
the Jacobins ^ of his time. 

The swords of Endicott and Standish, by which the first Sedition Pole in New- 
England was demolished. 

The goodly land, which God has given us. May we never surrender it to Satan. 

The Liberty of our Forefathers, "a civil, moral, federal hberty," a liberty for 
that only which is just and good.'' 

* Those who sympathized with France were so called by the Federalists. 

2 In 1645 Winthrop said: " For the other point concerning Uberty, I observe 
a great mistake in the country about that. There is a twofold hberty, natural (I 
mean as our nature is now corrupt) and civil or federal " (Journal, 1908, ii. 238). 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 825 

May all movers of Sedition, and lords of mis-rule, whether native or imported, 
meet the fate of Oldham and Morton, of Mount Wallaston ! ^ 

Om* Fore-Mothers : — let their heroism, patience, and conjugal love be conse- 
crated to everlasting esteem and imitation. 

To the revered memory of our lamented divine, biographer, and historian, Dr. 
Belknap, who has conducted us thro' the pleasant paths of ancient times. 

The spirit of the Old Colony Executive,^ who for a present of Arrows and a 
Snake-skin, from a savage enemy, returned powder and ball, with this answer — 
"// you wish war, you may have it" I 

The Federal Constitution: like the "shallop of our fathers," may it find a 
"Rock" and a shelter in Old Colony virtues and principles! 

The President of the United States? — In the glorious work of animating and 
guiding the patriotic spirit of his country, may he go on and prosper] 

Lieut. General Washington. — May his sword be successfully wielded against 
foreign insolence and oppression, and the hero of American liberty yet have the 
satisfaction of again contemplating in his retirement, the independence and 
prosperity of his country.* 

John Jay. — May the lasting happiness and gratitude of his country, and the 
plaudits of an admiring world, be the recompense of his talents, patriotism, and 
services. 

Alexander Hamilton. — May the future services of this Imninary of our western 
hemisphere be as useful and brilliant as the past. 

Governor Sumner. — May he long enjoy the rich reward of the love and rever- 
ence of his coimtrymen. 

Chief Justice Dana.^ — May his fame be as permanent as our law, and our law 
as pure as his integrity. 

Timothy Pickering. — The Rock of State, firm while Frenchmen froth around 
its base. 

Oliver Wolcott.^ — When French men or the friends of Frenchmen come to our 
treasury, may he keep the key. 

Buonaparte, and his army. — May they wander in the wilderness of Egypt 
without manna to feed, or the brazen serpent to heal them. 

The Red Sea. — May it continue faithful to the cause of God and men, if the 
modern Egyptians should attempt its passage. 

The military and naval establishments of the United States. — May they be 
encreased and supported in proportion to our exigences. 

The strong arm of government — May it be felt by intrigaing aliens, and 
seditious citizens.'' 



1 John Oldham, who came in the Anne in 1623; and the notorious Thomas 
Morton of Menymount. 

2 Bradford. The "present" came early in 1622 from Canonicus, the great 
sachem of the Narragansetts: see Bradford's History (ed. Ford), i. 240-241. 

' John Adams. 

* Washington had accepted the position of Lieutenant-General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief on July 13, 1798. 

« Francis Dana (H. C. 1762). 

• Secretary of the Treasury. 

"> An allusion to the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by Congress in 1798. 



326 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The Apostate Talleyrand * — a man by chance, a bishop by grace, and a knave 
by instinct. 

The following elegant and patriotic Ode written for the occasion by 
Mr. Thomas Paine was repeatedly sung amidst the most vmbomiding 
applause.^ 

Paine's ode, to the tune of the "President's March," ^ contained 
eight stanzas, of which the second and fourth are as follows: 

Round the consecrated rock, 
Conven'd the patriarchal stock, 
And there, while every lifted hand 
Affirmed the charter of the land, 
The storm was hush'd, and round the zone 
Of heaven the mystic meteor shone; 
Which, like the rainbow seen of yore, 
Proclaim'd that slavery's flood was o'er; 
That pilgrim man, so long oppress' d, 
Had found his promis'd place of rest. 

CHORUS. 

Sons of glory, patriot band, 
Swear to guard this chosen landt 
To your Children leave it free, < 

Ob a desert let it be ! 

Heirs of Pilgrims, now renew 
The oath your fathers swore for you, 
When first around the social board, 
Enrich'd from Nature's frugal hoard, 
The ardent vow to heaven they breath'd 
To shield the rights their sires bequeath'd! 
Let Faction from our realm be hurl'd; — 
United, you defy the world; — 
And, as a tribute, scorn to yield 
The Worm, that bUghts your blossom'd field! 



^ In 1797 John Marshall, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and Elbridge Gerry 
had been sent on an unsuccessful mission — commonly known as the " XYZ 
Mission " — to France to treat with Talleyrand. It was then that Pinckney 
used an expression that has become famous : " ' MUMons for defence,' " said 
the Independent Chronicle of January 28, 1799, " ' but not a cent for tribute.' 
This has been the language of those who are in favor of War [with France] " 
(p. 2/3). 

2 Massachusetts Mercury, December 28, 1798, p. 2/4. Thomas Paine (H. C. 
1792), who afterwards (March 8, 1803) changed his name to Robert Treat 
Paine, was the son of Robert Treat Paine (H. C. 1749) the Signer. 

2 See p. 310 note, above. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 327 



Sons of glory, patriot band, 
Swear to guard your native landl 
To your children leave it free, 
Or a desert let it be ! ^ 

The account promised by the Columbian Centinel duly appearec 
in the issue of December 29, and began as follows : 

"THE HEIRS OF THE PILGRIMS" 

Celebrated on Saturday Dee. 22, the 177th Anniversary of the landing 
of their Forefathers at Plymouth Rock. — As it was the day of the 
nativity of New-England, the commemorating banquet was attended 
by a very numerous and respectable company, most of whom were 
lineally descended from the first settlers of the Old Colony. Gen. Lin- 
coln presided, and Jos. Russell, Esq. was Vice-President, at the board 
of the "Pilgrims," which was amply and characteristically furnished 
with every species of wild food, which the elements afford, at this period 
of the year. The portrait of the pious Wilson, and the swords of Carver 
and Standish were conspicuous among the embelHshments of the hall; 
and the following toasts evinced that the spirit of the Old Colony patriots 
had been bequeathed to the inheritors of their soil (pp. 2-3). 

It is thus seen that the term Feast of Shells ^ at once made its 
appearance, and that the word Pilgrim, as specifically applied to 



1 Massachusetts Mercury, December 28, 1798, p. 4/1. 

2 The Boston celebration perhaps received this name (see p. 347, below) 
in allusion to the shell-fish so often mentioned in early days. It should be 
pointed out, however, that the expressions "the shells of the feast," "the shells 
of joy," "the shell of feasts," "to rejoice in the shell," "the hall of shells," 
"the feast of shells," occur in the Ossianic poems; Macpherson explaining 
that "To rejoice in the shell, is a phrase for feasting sumptuously, and drinking 
freely;" and further says: "The ancient Scots, as well as the present High- 
landers, drunk in shells; hence it is that we so often meet, in the old poetry, 
with the chief of shells, and the halls of shells." See Poems of Ossian, London, 
1805, ii. 154, 161 note, 201 note, 235 and note, 297 and note, iii. 6-7. Cf. 
Notes and Queries, 11th Series, ix. 108, 175. Oscar and Malvina, a pantomime 
"taken from the Poems of Ossian," was given at the Boston Theatre on March 
14, 1796. "At the opening of the Piece the Theatre represents the Hall of 
Fingal at the Feast of Shells" (Oscar & Malvina, Hamburg, 1795, p. 6). 

At all events, the Boston celebration was not called the Feast of Shells in 
reference to the scallop-shell as a pilgrim's badge. In 1896 W. T. Davis said: 

The comer stone of the canopy over the Rock was laid on the 2d of August, 
1859, and the structure was completed in 1867. . . . The use of scallop shells on 



328 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

an early settler, was first used by Thomas Paine and immediately 
caught the popular fancy.^ 

It v/as not to be expected that the gross partizansliip displayed 
by the participants in the celebration should have escaped criticism. 
A communication signed "Propriety" appeared in the Independent 
Chronicle of December 31 : 

The " Feast of Shells." 

FOR THE CHRONICLE. 

"Several of the Rev. Clergy were present." No doubt recommended 
by their politicks, suitable persons for such a feast, they boast of feast- 
ing on such a dish once in their lives. But politicks gave even shells a 
relish. — Their parishioners complain that these shepherds feed them 
with the husks of politicks once a week, without the least tincture of 
truth to season husks — though they pay them weekly and well, to be 
served with Christian truth, and not with the fibs and artifices of the 
Politician. 

The Feasts all Shell and no Fish, as one would conclude, must have 
ended with — all Bottle and no Liquor. — But that was not the case. 
It was necessary there should be wine and that the best of priests' wine, 
sufficient for twenty-nine Toasts from their priestly lips, which last 
served to fit them for a song of the American Tom Paine to the tune of 
the President's march. . . . 

Strange it was that the managers of that feast, should imagine that 
those Heavenly Pilgrims could approve of the practice of toasting, to 
which they were so much averse on earth. They thought it to be of 
evil tendency, and immoral, and therefore not to be countenanced; 
they thought it could be borne with only by Bachanalian Topers. To 
have heard 29 toasts given, must immediately have ended their journey 



its top was suggested by the fact that this shell was the emblem worn by the 
Pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. . . . The first use of the scallop shell 
associated with the Plymouth Pilgrims was at the anniversary celebration in 
1820, when at the ball in the evening some young ladies hung a shell suitably 
decorated on the breast of Mr. Webster, the orator of the day (Plymouth Memo- 
ries of an Octogenarian, pp. 27, 28). 

1 In E. C. Stedman and Ellen M. Hutchinson's Library of American Liter- 
ature (1888, iii. 185) are quoted, under the heading "To the Heirs of the Pil- 
grims," twenty-six lines from a poem written by Dr. Benjamin Church in 1765. 
The lines are correctly quoted from pp. 7-8 of "The Times. A Poem. By an 
American" (1765), but the heading under which they appear in the work cited 
is of course due to the editors. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 329 

through this then howling wilderness, and carried them strait to their 
desired home.^ 

But those men of sobriety only perceive that they led to tipling, but 
not that they might be improved by Tories and Courtiers to injure the 
essential interests of a free and virtuous People. The publisher of the 
toasts given at the Feast of Shells, says that justice is done to our first 
and later worthies with affection, cordiality, and sincerity. Yet as to 
some of those toasts, tho' called federal, they surely do not discover the 
features of a Pilgrim, — I mean of one traveling to the land of purity 
and peace — Such were our venerable Ancestors. . . . 

Let us take a look at some of the Toasts and see if they discover more 
judiciousness. . . . 

"Alexander Hamilton. May the future services of this Luminary of the 
Western hemisphere be as useful and brilliant as the past." — Astonish- 
ment almost stops my pen. What! and was there no Phineas present, 
to take up the faithful sword of one of the chiefs of the first Settlers and 
which helped to decorate the Hall, and with a laudable zeal have 
avenged the shameful insult offered in this toast to the conjugal purity 
of those Ancient Worthies? ^ And why in the name of common decency 
did not the brave and "virtuous General then in the Chair, give out im- 
mediate orders to his Drum Major to go round the Hall and beat to the 
tune of — "Drunk or sober, go to bed Tom — go to bed Tom" (pp. 
2-3). 3 



1 In a letter to Sir Robert Naunton dated November 28, 1619, Sir Dudley 
Carleton, referring to Thomas Brewer, who had charge of the Pilgrim press 
(cf. p. 384 note 1, below) at Leyden (though he did not come to this country), 
said: 

The states fleet now prepared against the pirates could not possibly put to sea 
until this day; which is the first easterly wind we have had for these six weeks 
past. I hope it will carry over sir William Zouche with mr. Brewer to your 
honour, who have lain long together at Flushing; and his feUow Brownists at 
Leyden are somewhat scandalized, because they hear sir William hath taught 
him to drink healths (Letters from and to Sir Dudley Carleton, 1775, p. 423). 

2 The reference is to Hamilton's Observations on Certain Documents, etc., 
1797, usually known as the "Reynolds Pamphlet," in which he explained his 
public conduct at the expense of his private character. In the Independent 
Chronicle of January 27, 1803, there is an allusion to " Maria's financier " 
(p. 2/4). 

' In the same paper of January 10, 1799, "Propriety" again wrote: "The 
Salem Gazette contains the celebration of the Feast of shells, and the printer has 
honoured himself by shewing his regard to Propriety, in leaving out the exception' 
able toasts, given at that feast" (p. 2/4). 



330 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF IklASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The celebration of 1799 was thus described in the Columbian 
Centinel of December 25 (p. 3): 

FEAST OF THE "SONS OF THE PILGRIMS." 

The anniversary of the landing of our Ancestors, at Plymouth, in 1620, 
was celebrated in this town, on Monday last, by a large number of gen- 
tlemen, who dined together at Concert-Hall. The guests were several im- 
mediate descendants of the first company of emigrants, with a large num- 
ber of native citizens sprung from the early settlers of Massachusetts, or the 
Old Colony; or connected with them by the affection and respect they 
bear to their memory. Stephen Higginson, Esq.^ presided; and Joseph 
Russell, and Peleg Coffin, Esquires, officiated as Vice-Presidents. 

The tables were covered with a choice collection of fish, wild meats, 
and birds: And a shell of uncommon size, borrowed from the Museum 
of the Historical Society,^ adorned the head of the table, containing the 
appropriate succatash, sufficient for the numerous company. 

The following toasts were given. [ They shall be given to the public on 
Saturday.] 

After the first toast, an Ode, in honor of the Fathers, was sung, with 
suitable solemnity by the company to the tune of Old Hundred. Lines 
adapted to this ancient tune were conceived to be well adapted to the 
occasion. It was pleasing to recollect that our ancestors sang together 
their sacred hjymns in this tune; which on good ground is supposed to 
have been composed by the celebrated Reformer, Martin Luther. — 
The "Plymouth Ode," composed for the celebration of the anniversary 
there, in 1793,^ was also performed; and Mr. Paine's admired song of 
" Sainted Shades," composed for the last anniversary.'* 

1 Born November 28, 1743; died November 22, 1828. In his Life and Let- 
ters of Stephen Higginson (1907), the late Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson 
gave a brief account (pp. 219-229) of the celebrations in 1801-1804, dra^vn from 
notes furnished by the present wi'iter. Oddly enough, "No allusions to these 
festive occasions are apparently to be foimd in Stephen Higginson's correspond- 
ence" (p. 229). 

2 Mr. GrenvtUe H. Norcross writes me : " When the Massachusetts Histori- 
cal Society began, it had a Natural History attachment, the remains of which, 
consisting of two pairs of horns and two big ' oyster ' shells, remained down to 
my time as Cabinet Keeper. We offered the horns and shells to the Boston 
Society of Natural History, but they were declined." Later, they were all given 
to Dr. Edwin H. Brigham, who informs me that they are at his house at 
South Hanover, that " one shell is much the larger," that it weighs two hun- 
dred pounds, and that its capacity is "at least a bushel, perhaps more." 

^ An error for 1794: see p. 306 note 3, above. 
* See p. 326, above. 



19141 THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 331 

The celebration of this anniversary leads us to the tombs of our 
Fathers; and naturally excites some degree of not unpleasing sensibility; 
— But it was the lot of the company who assembled on Monday to have 
the soothing contemplations on the deeds and characters of the Fathers, 
overwhelmed by the intelligence of a most afflicting event, which will 
excite the sympathy of the whole civilized world. In the forenoon of 
the day, a rumor prevailed, that WASHINGTON was dead! Before 
noon it was rendered jpainfully certain. 

Common festivals upon such intelligence would have been omitted: 
But the impressions arising from the celebration were thought not in- 
consistent with a due sensibility to the sad event which was announced. 
The usual expressions of gaiety had no place; and the guests appeared 
assembled rather for condolence than festivity. Had it been possible, 
none could wish to exchange his tender emotions, for thoughtless hilarity; 
since every heart capable of sympathy will pronounce, 

"The broadest mirth unfeehng folly wears, 
"Less pleasing far than even Virtue's tears." 

At the close of the first Ode to the memory of the Fathers, a tribute of 
respect was attempted to the memory of the Great Man who has fallen. 
As the Ode was originally prepared, it concluded with the following 
verse : — 

Hail Pilgrim Fathers of our race, 

With grateful hearts your toils we trace, 

Oft as this votive Day returns, 

We'll pay due honors to your urns. 

After the afflicting intelligence of the day arrived, the following lines 
were added, *- 

Ah! while we gather round your urn, 
Joins your blest band, great WASHINGTON. — 
Hark, to that knell * — a NATION'S sighs 
Waft his PURE SPIRIT to the skies. 

* The bells were then tolling.^ 

In this ode, written by Samuel Davis, the term Pilgrim Fathers 
occurs for the first time.^ The list of toasts promised by the Colum- 
bian Centinel, duly appeared in the issue of December 28 : 

1 Columbian Centinel, December 25, 1799, p. 3. 

2 For a memoir of Samuel Davis, who was a brother of Judge John Davis, see 
3 Massachusetts Historical Collections, v. 253-255. As there has been confu- 
sion in regard to Judge Davis's ode of 1794, so too has there been with respect to 
Samuel Davis's ode of 1799. An account of the 1845 celebration at Plymouth, 



332 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

TOASTS. 

MJ^^ The following are the toasts given at the Feast of the " Sons of 
the Pilgrims," at Concert-Hall, on Monday last. 

1, rpHE 22d of December, 1620. — May its perpetual celebration be a monu- 
X ment to the virtues of our fathers, durable as the rock of their landing. 

2. The President of the United States — The venerable Chief, who sustains our 
empire, by toils and virtues, like those by which it was acquired. 3. The Ad- 
viinistration of the United States. — May it display the wisdom of Carver, the 
integrity of Bradford, the firmness of Winslow, the piety of Brewster, and 
the spirit of Standish. 4. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. — May it ever 
find Governors like the last;i resembling Bradford and Winthrop. — Men who 
did not seek ofBce, yet whom office sought; who were willing to rule, and not 
less willing to be ruled. 5. The Fathers of New England. — May the healthful 
stamina of their institutions resist the infection of insidious philosophism. 6. 
Antient maxims and antient manners. — May they be duly respected by modern 
policy and modern philosophy. 7. The memory of our Ancestors. — May their 
ardour inspire and their success encourage their descendants to maintaia their 
birth-rights, and may all their enemies be converted hke Massasoit, or suffer 
like Phillip. 8. The American Judiciary. — Lord Coke's benediction to them, 
"The gladsome light of jurisprudence, the loveliness of temperance, and the 
solidity of justice." 9. The American Navy. — Let it be remembered, that the 
ocean it is to defend bore our sires on its bosom. 10. Those Foreign Ministers, 
who, like Carver, "carry themselves with good discretion," and like Winslow, 
"clear the country from blame and dishonor." 11. Our Envoys to France,^ who 
win remember that the sons, like the fathers, would rather be blotted from the 
book of that republic, than "become marginal notes to a French text, which is 
yet but apocryphal." 12. The sixteen United Fires.^ — May they bum bright 
and pure; full of genial warmth to the friends of our country, and of deadly heat 
to its enemies. 13. Correct systems in politics and religion; and sharp swords 
to defend the one, and sound sense to maintain the other. 14. May the doc- 
trine older than our fathers never be forgotten, that liberty of the people is in- 
separable from the authority of the magistrate. 15. The prudent policy of our 



written by the Rev. John Pierce, is printed in 2 Proceedings Massachusetts 
Historical Society, x. 393-403. "Then the choir," wrote Mr. Pierce, "sung the 
ode by Judge Davis, wi'itten in 1799" (p. 396). An editorial note says, "Here 
follows the well-known ode, written by the Hon. Judge Davis, third President of 
the Historical Society, beginning 'Sons of renowned sires.'" This editorial 
statement is correct, though Mr. Pierce gave the year 1799 instead of 1794 (see 
p. 306 note 3, above). Mr. Pierce continued: "The hymn then for 22 December, 
written by Judge Davis, was sung to Old 100." An editorial note says, "Here 
follows Judge Davis's scarcely less familiar hymn, beginning ' HaU, pilgrim fathers 
of our race!'" The attribution of this hymn to Judge Davis was a mistake. 

^ Increase Sumner died while in office June 7, 1799. 

2 William Vans Murray, Oliver Ellsworth, and William Richardson Davie. 

' Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee had been admitted into the Union in 
1791, 1792, and 1796 respectively. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 333 

fathers — welcoming worthy emigrants and refusing to the sons of sedition a 
resting place for their feet. 16. The antient Town of Plymouth. — Prosperity to 
those who dwell around the cradle of our country. 17. GEORGE WASHING- 
TON — "My father, my father; the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." 

VOLUNTEER TOASTS. 

From the Chair. Whilst we celebrate the memory of our Fore Fathers, may 
we imitate their virtues,- that we also may be had in remembrance. 

The memory of the Historian of our Ancestors, Dr. Belknap. — Devouring 
time or barbaric fury shall destroy marble monuments; but nothing shall de- 
molish his labours. 

The virtuous Matrons, who attended the Pilgrims. — The image of their fair 
example of conjugal love and simple manners will never be wanting in their 
daughters (pp. 1-2). 

The names of those who presided or were present in 1800 do not 
appear in the newspaper accounts of that celebration, but among 
the toasts drunk were the following: 

6. May Federalism, like the Live Oak, though prostrate prove the 
country's best defense. 

8. May the exulting notes of antifederalism, like those of the swan, 
prove the prelude of its death. 

10. May the ghosts of our pious forefathers walk during the approach- 
ing reign of infidelity, and deter the daring philosophists from attacking 
the sacred temple of religion.^ 

A correspondent who signed himself "A. X." thus freed his mind 
in the Independent Chronicle of December 29 (p. 2/3) : 

The fag end of the Faction described. 

THE first settlers in New-England fled from the cruel hand of perse- 
cution. . . . When, therefore, the day of their arrival is celebrated as a 
festival, it ought to be done in a temper suited to the principles which 
brought tjiem to this country. But in a late assembly, which stiled 
their entertainment The Feast of Shells, that very spirit of persecution, 
that malignity of heart, tbat superb haughtiness of spirit, and that 
same claim to lawless rule and uncontrouled domination, which drove 
our Ancestors from Europe, were exliibited at full length. 

The Feast of Shells was introduced some years ago by a mmaber of 

^ Columbian Centinel, December 24, 1800, p. 2/3. In the presidential election 
of 1800, Jefferson and Burr received each 73 electoral votes, the election thus 
being thrown into the House of Representatives, where Jefferson was successful. 



334 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

men, who wished to perpetuate the honor of the first American emi- 
grants. It was not intended as a political engine, to contaminate and 
wound the true principles of civil liberty. Nor was it intended as a 
political measure, or for any other purpose, than that of doing honor to 
the \'irtues of those who fled to these shores for the enjoyment of freedom. 

The public ought to be informed, that the men who assumed the feast 
this year, are not the men who originated it. That a number of men, 
whose politics have poisoned the sources of science, have made even 
their public devotion subservient to the vilest party purposes — have 
dissolved the bands of friendship — have subverted all sincerity and 
truth in political communications — have, under the mask of Federal- 
ism, attempted to overthrow the best Constitution on earth. These 
men contrived to collect themselves, as a party in opposition to the 
great body of the people. To countenance their indecency and con- 
temptible abuse, they invited others, who perhaps did not know their 
intentions. The toasts they drank, and all their arrangements was an 
insult upon the President, the Republic of America, and upon the great 
body of the Citizens. 

The fact is, that this festival, as they celebrated it, was the overboil- 
ings of their chagrin and disappointment. They came forward with 
the torch of discord in their hand; and the flame was increased by the 
oil of revenge and disappointment. 

The man who pre^ded at the festival,^ has been the avowed enemy 
of John Adams. He was no greater friend to Washington before the 
capture of Burgoyne, than he was to Samuel Adams, John Hancock 
and Thomas Jefferson. 

The feast was supported by the same men, who feasted Gen. Ham- 
ilton, when he was lately in Boston. It was arranged with a view to 
support the interest of a man, whose morals are as infamous, as his 
politics are dangerous to the American Republic. . . . 

In 1801 Stephen Higginson presided, while Joseph Russell, Martin 
Brimmer, and Peleg Coffin assisted as vice-presidents; and among 
the guests were "the Hon. John Adams, Hon. Timothy Pickering, 
the President of the Senate, the Hon. Judges of the Federal and 
Stat^ Courts, the President and Professors of Harvard University, 
several of the Rev. Clergy, the Hon. John Q. Adams, George Cabot, 
and Fisher Ajmes, Esquires." ^ The presence of John Adams, 

^ Possibly Stephen Higginson. 

2 Columbian Centinel, December 23, 1801, p. 2/4. Broadsides containing 
songs to be sung at the Boston celebrations were sometimes printed. Professor 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 335 

Timothy Pickering, and Fisher Ames led the Independent Chronicle 
of December 24 (p. 3/1) to declare: 

The "feast of shells, '^ we understand, was celebrated in this town, 
on Tuesday last, by a number of rare characters. "Strange times, 
strange times indeed," have come to pass! when we can behold the Brain- 
tree Lion,^ the Essex Hyena, and the Dedham Watch-Dog quietly 
feeding in open day within the same enclosure ! ! ! 

The celebration of 1802 was thus described in the Colmnbian 
Centinel of December 25: 

"SONS OF THE PILGRIMS." 

On Monday, the 22d December, was celebrated in this town, the 
Anniversary of Our Fathers' landing at Plymouth, Anno Domini 1620. 
A hundred and one gentlemen, the number that arrived in the first 
ships, sat down at the "Feast of Shells," with those joyous and elevated 
emotions that rise from contemplating the characters of great and good 
men. Among the distinguished guests were His Honor the Lieut- 
GovERNOR,^ Gen. Lincoln, The Hon. Timothy Pickering, the Officers 

Kittredge calls my attention to one (owned by the Massachusetts Historical 
Society) that was evidently prepared for the celebration in 1801. It is headed 
" FESTIVAL of the SONS of the PILGRIMS," and contains four songs: that 
of Judge Davis in 1794 (wrongly dated 1793), that of Samuel Davis in 1799 
(without date or name of the author), that of Paine in 1798 (wrongly dated 
1800), and that " Composed for the Festival at Plymouth, 1800." The last was 
printed in the New England Palladium of January 27, 1801, p. 3/2, and is stated 
in W. S. Russell's Airs of the Pilgrims (1846, p. 39) to have been written by 
Samuel Davis. The Boston PubUc Library also owns a mutilated copy of the 
same broadside, on which is written in pencil " Four odes and hymns for the 
anniv. festival at Plymouth." But clearly the broadside was printed for the 
Boston celebration. The Boston Pubhc Library also owns a broadside that was 
evidently prepared for the celebration in 1802. It is headed " FESTIVAL op 
THE SONS OF THE PILGRIMS," and contains five songs: the above four, and 
in addition an ode " Composed for the Anniversary Festival of the SoNS of the 
Pilgrims, 1801." This last was printed in the New England Palladium of 
December 29, 1801, p. 1/2. 

^ In later years John Adams was also called Duke of Braintree and Old Brim- 
borion (Columbian Centinel, November 4, 1812, p. 2/4; October 28, 1812, p. 1/4). 
In a former communication to the Society I inadvertently stated that "the 
sobriquet of 'the Duke of Quincy' was sometimes applied to John Adams" 
(Publications, x. 180). For a curious collection of nicknames current early in 
the nineteenth century, see Proceedings American Antiquarian Society, xix. 
23-29. 

2 Edward Hutchinson Robbins. 



336 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

of the University, several of the Revd. Clergy of this and the neiglibor- 
ing towTis, the Hon. Judge Paine, Hon. Messrs. Cabot, Ames, D^^^GHT 
and Brigham.^ Stephen Higginson, Esquire, was President of the 
day, Joseph Russell, Peleg Coffin and Martin Brimmer, Esquires, 
were Vice Presidents. The Hall was appropriately ornamented with 
the portraits of Winthrop, Endicott, Leverett, Higginson, Brad- 
street, and Wilson; together with an historical painting, "The Land- 
ing of the Fathers,"" from the pencil of Mr. Sargent, and many curiosi- 



1 Probably Thomas Dwight (H. C. 1778), and Elijah Brigham (Dartmouth 
College 1778). 

2 This ia the earliest allusion I have found to Henry Sargent's painting, now 
called The Landing of the Pilgrims. A very long advertisement appeared in the 
Columbian Centinel of March 4, 1815 (p. 3/1), which begins as follows: 

Landing of the Fathers. 

THIS celebrated Painting by H. Sargent, Esq. is now exhibiting near the 
corner of Walnut and Beacon Streets, back of the unfurnished buildings 
belonging to Mr. Cotting. The doors will be open every day for a few weeks, 
Sundays excepted, from the hour of 9 in the morning, until 4 in the aftemoan. — 
^SW^ Admittance 25 Cents. Free Tickets of Admission, ($1 each,) will admit the 
bearer at all times when exhibiting; to be had at the room. . . . 

In the same paper of June 21, 1815 (p. 2/3) was advertised — 

Col. Sargent's New Painting. 

Our FATHERS intend speedily, we are informed, to visit the Southern 
States. — They hold their levee however, at the accustomed dwelling for a few 

days. . . . 

In the same paper of July 8, 1815 (p. 2/1) is an advertisement headed "Close of 
the Exhibition of the Fathers." But in September following the picture was here 
again. In his Discourse on December 22 of that year, the Rev. James Flint sug- 
gested that the picture should be bought and placed in Plymouth, adding, "It 
would gratify many sons of the pilgrims, to see measures taking to carry this 
suggestion into effect" (p. 22). Presumably Sargent was unable to sell his pic- 
ture, for in 1834 he himself presented it to the Pilgrim Society (New England 
Historical and Genealogical Society, 1850, iv. 193). For notices of the picture, 
taken from Boston newspapers of 1815, see 2 Massachusetts Historical Collec- 
tions, iii. 225-232. Mr. Lord calls my attention to a letter written March 
9, 1830, by G. O. Vcrplanck to Washington Allston: "But does our ante- 
revolutionary history present no subject? The ' Landing of the Pilgrims,' a 
threadbare subject in some respects, has never been viewed with a poet's and 
painter's eye." On March 29th Allston replied: "To the first subject you 
propose, ' The Landing of the Pilgrims ' (not unpicturesque), I have a personal 
objection. It has already been painted by an old friend of mine, Colonel Sar- 
gent, a high-minded, honorable man, to whom I would on no account give pain; 
which I could not avoid doing were I to encroach on what, at the expense of 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 337 

ties connected with the manners and persons of the time. At proper 
intervals several Odes and Songs, written for this occasion, were sung 
with the spirit which inspired them, and the festival was concluded with 
a propriety and gladness of heart becoming the "Sons of the Pilgrims" 
(p. 2/4). 

Among the toasts were: 

4. Brewster, Cotton, Norton, Higginson, Eliot,^ and the ven- 
erable Elders of New-England: . . . 

5. New-England: — Here may Republicanism ever be at home — 
Democracy ever be an alien. [" Yankee Doodle."] 

14. Our Sister Virginia: — When she changes the three-fifths^ of her 
Ethiopian Skin, we will respect her as the head of our white family. 
[" Go to the Devil and shake yourself."] 

The memory of Dr. Belknap, the founder of this Celebration: May 
he be revered with the monuments of our Ancestors, and live in the 
virtues of their Sons. 

Volunteer by Judge Paine.^ 

Great-Britain: May that Nation, which stood the Friend of Liberty 
when Liberty had no other Friend among the Nations, be refined and 
confirmed, and remain the Jachin, while the United States of America 
stands the BoAZ, of True Political and Social Liberty, until Sun and 
Moon shall be no more (p. 2/4). 

This account was the cause of great hilarity among the Demo- 
crats. One critic remarked : 

The Toasts given at Vila's are w^orthy a serious notice, but as 
there are so many degenerate Sons of our worthy Forefathers, we could 
not expect a more decent collection. — The only one which we now 

several years' labor, he has a fair right to consider as his ground. I do not hke 
rivalry in any shape, and my picture on the same subject would seem like it " 
(J. B. Flagg's Life and Letters of W. AUston, pp. 235, 236). 

^ Elder WilUam Brewster of Plymouth; Rev. John Cotton, Rev. John Norton 
of Boston; Rev. Francis Higginson of Salem; Rev. John EUot, the Apostle to the 
Indians. 

^ The framers of the Constitution avoided the use of the word slaves. Hence 
Article i, section 2, reads: "Representatives and direct Taxes shall be appor- 
tioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, 
according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to 
the Number of Free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of 
Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons." 

' Robert Treat Paine, the Signer: cf. p. 326 note 2, above. 



338 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

particularly notice, is Judge Paine 's; what the old man means is some- 
what diificult to explain; his Boaz and Jachin is a new species of Federal 
nonsense. At the next meeting, we expect he will give Gog and Magog} 

He concluded by asking "whether it is decent" for a man holding 
an office worth from ten to fifteen thousand dollars a year to asso- 
ciate with those who throw odium on the President. Another writer 
said: 

It is asked whether Judge Paine is a Jew or a Christian? One would 
suppose neither; unless it can be proved that Jews and Christians may 
drink profane toasts at Bachanalian revels. — To introduce Scripture 
allusions at a carousal, is a new thing under the sun. But we will not 
say what the intellectual condition of the learned judge was, after he 
had voluntarily borne his part of eighty bumpers in honour of our pious 
& venerable Forefathers ! ^ 

"Plymouth Rock" declared that — 

THE Federal troops seem to be totally disbanded; and the "Grand 
King," with all his subalterns, are crying out to the champions of their 
cause, to appear on the parade of the newspapers. The scribblers in 
these several papers, are charged with tardiness; they are called on to 
rally, and bring into the field all their ammunition. Even Stephen, 
the Shell-President, the man whom they describe as the most powerful 
antagonist, seems to betake himself to the back-ground, and, coward 
like, entices an Old Man to expose his folly, in the uncouth dialect of 
Jewish phraseology. Stephen has long been an old "Rat," he smells the 
trap as well as the cheese, and generally adopts some cunning artifice, 
when he intends to spring it; but who would think that he should per- 
suade an old fox to his purpose, or should be so artful as to make an old 
man lug into Vila's two such heavy pillars as Jachin and Boazl . , . 
Stephen, ... if the old Judge was really under the pressure of Jachin 
and Boaz, or the whole Porch of the Temple, . . . would not have put 
forth his little finger to relieve him; but would let him "Go to the Devil 
and shake himself! " ^ 

"MUST private character," asked "Spintext," "be constantly 
lacerated by the forked tongue of the envenomed slanderer?" Then, 
remarking upon the persons present, he continued: 

1 Independent Chronicle, December 27, 1802, p. 3/1. 

2 Ibid. January 6, 1803, p. 1/4. 
» Ibid. January 6, 1803, p. 2/1. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 339 

The officers of Cambridge University. These are the men to 
teach the " young ideas how to shoot " — to fan into life, the expiring 
spark of ambition — and to blow the coal of genius into a flame. . . . 
Was it to inculcate such illiberal principles, that our enlightened An- 
cestors planted the tree of life in Cambridge? — Would they have nur- 
tured and fostered the tree, if they had been apprehensive of such 
fruit? — What will be the sensations and reflections of those southern 
Gentlemen, who have placed their children luider the instructions of 
such men? — Will they feel obliged, when they read, that their en- 
lightened Instructors were regaled at this mock feast of the Pilgrims? 
— and, with federal devotion and savage glee, drank a full glass to the 
damnation of more than eight hundred thousand souls! — "Father, 
forgive them, for they know not what they do." ^ 

"Cotton Mather" made the following — 

Observations on a late Toast at the Feast of Shells. 

IT would be matter of curiosity, if we could have the names of the 
Sons of the Pilgrims who celebrated at Vila's the emancipation of our 
Forefathers from the British house of bondage; we could then form some 
idea of Judge Paine's Jachin and Boaz. ... If the Judge did not mean 
to confine his idea solely to the Pilgrims present, but intended to em- 
brace Great-Britain as the great Ally of America, in support of the 
Liberty of the world; yet even this sentiment must be foreign from the 
intentions of Solomon; . . . 

The whole proceeding of the late Feast seems a jumble of inconsisten- 
cies; the Toasts are made up of a farrago of nonsense and impropriety. 
The Constitution of the United States, or the respective States, are not 
even mentioned; we can't say these persons are in favor of either by 
what they declare; they seem only intent to the elevation of particular 
men, and these are so strangely connected and designated as to shew 
the folly of the Baccanalian Pilgrims : — ... The whole proceeding 
discovers a paltry attempt to deceive the public in the pohtical views 
of the Lacoites by leading honest Pilgrims from the right road.^ . . . 

But the most ludicrous part of the whole business commences at the 
moment when they give "The State of Virginia:" — This ancient State, 



1 National ^gis, quoted in the Independent Chronicle of January 27, 1803, 
p. 2/1. 

2 An allusion to the Writings of Laco, attacking John Hancock, attributed to 
Stephen Higginson. They appeared in the Massachusetts Centinel in February 
and March, 1789, and were reprinted in a pamphlet in the same year. 



340 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

the birth-place of Washington, is stigmatized with every degrading 
epithet, and to top the climax, it is accompanied by the tune of "Go to 
the Devil and shake yourself! " This is a pretty ditty for the Sons of our 
pious Forefathers : — what an appearance must Gen. Lincoln & Judge 
Paine, in company with Stephen Higginson, Fisher Ames, Timothy 
Pickering, Dr. Parker,^ the Reverend Mr. John Gardner,^ &c. &c. make, 
while attentively listening to the music of Go to the Devil and shake your- 
self? . . . What a figure must these jpious Pilgrims make, while listen- 
ing to a tune, the appellation of which strikes every man of morality 
with disgust and horror? . . .^ 

In 1803 Stephen Higginson again presided, while Peleg Coffin, 
Martin Brimmer, and William Tudor were vice-presidents. Among 
the toasts were the memories of Brewster, Cotton, Norton, Higgin- 
son, and Eliot, "the five burning and shining lights in 'golden can- 
dlesticks' in the early churches of New-England;^' and "Louisiana — 
a country without patriots — May our Patriots without a country 
occupy what they have bought, and leave us to enjoy what tve have 
inherited." ^ A satirical poem was printed in the Independent 
Clironicle, of which a few lines follow: 

The modem Clam-Eaters. 

THE Pilgrim's Sons who dwell on earth, 
God knows from whom they claim their birth; 
On some pretence, as rumour tells, 
Each year renew their feast of shells, 
At faction-hall, where tories meet, 
Apostate whigs and priests to greet; — ... 
For there the living act their part. 
And lay the bottle close to heart. 
Whilst clams and oysters round are spread, 
And wine to rouse some drooping head. 
Old Stephen mounted in the chair 
Of federal feasts and toasts lord mayor, 
Proclaims again their cause of meeting 
Once more his brother tories greeting.^ 



^ Rev. Samuel Parker, rector of Trinity Church, later Bishop. 
^ Rev. John Sylvester John Gardiner, then assistant of Dr. Parker at Trinity 
Church. 

3 Independent Chronicle, December 30, 1802, pp. 1-2. 

* New England Palladium, December 27, 1803, p. 1/5. 

* January 9, 1804, p. 4/1. In the same paper of December 26, 1803, a 
writer remarked (p. 2/4) : 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 341 

In 1804 Stephen Higginson once more presided, Christopher 
Gore, Peleg Coffin, and WilHam Tudor acting as vice-presidents. 
The hall was decorated with portraits of Winthrop, Endicott, Hig- 
ginson, Bradstreet, and Rogers, and with busts of Washington and 
Hamilton. One account reads: 

LANDING OF THE FATHERS. 

The 184th anniversary of the landing of the first settlers of New- 
England, was celebrated on Saturday last, in this town, by a numerous 
company, who dined together, in the usual appropriate style, at Concert- 
Hall. About 35 years since, this anniversary began to be celebrated, 
by the Inliabitants of Plymouth, where the first settlement in New- 
England was effected in 1620. In 1797, it was first noticed in this town, 
by a small company, of whom the late Dr. Belknap was one. Since that 
time, it has been annually observed, by increased numbers. The recent 
enlargement of the Hall, afforded accommodation to a larger collection, 
the present year, than had ever before assembled on a similar occasion. 
Nearly two hundred gentlemen partook of the entertainment, among 
whom were many of the Clergy of the Town and Vicinity, Officers of 
the University, the President of the Senate, and several other respectable 
guests. . . . Sentiment and Song enlivened the feast; and appropriate 
music accompanied the Toasts, a copy of which we have procured. . . . 

3. The New-England Minority — Like true Puritans, not intimidated, though 
involved in the "sin and danger of Non-conformity." 

16. The memory of Lady Arabella Johnson, and all the 'primitive Dames of New- 
England, who cheered the toils of the Pilgrims, and participated in the hardships 
of their arduous enterprise. m 

Louisiana — A country of golden dreams and leaden reahties. 

The memory of Dr. Belknap — The American Plutarch; the distinguished 
Biographer of the Pilgrims.^ . . . 



Among the guests who attended the feast of shells are said to be, the judges 
of the Supreme Court ! — Quere, if they can find time to attend at Vila's, why 
cannot they fulfil the duties of their ofiice? . . . Oh I the rare sons of the pil- 
grims ! eating and carousing to celebrate the hardships, toils, and dangers of their 
forefathers! Carver and Standish, we believe, were more respected by these 
young pilgrims for their appropriate names to a dissected mldfowle, and a haunch 
of venison than for their poUtical principles. . . . 

' The two volumes of Belknap's American Biography (1794, 1798) contain 
the Uves of many early explorers and settlers, among the latter Carver, Brad- 
ford, Brewster, Cushman, Winslow, Standish, John Winthrop, and John Win- 
throp, Jr. 



342 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The pleasures of the feast were greatly enhanced by a number of 
excellent songs and catches by Mr. Shaw professor of music, and Messrs. 
Fox and Bernard of the Theatre.^ 



1 Gilbert Fox and John Bernard, the noted English actor. The latter had made 
his first appearance in Boston a year before, as appears from an advertisement 
in the Columbian Centinel of November 5, 1805 : 

On Monday Evening, Nov. 7, will be presented for the first time these four 
years, a Play in 3 acts, (interspersed with Singing,) called, The Battle of Hex- 
ham; — or Days of Old. Written by Colman, the Yomiger. Gondibert, Mr. Bar- 
ratt; Gregory Gubbins, Mr. Bernard; (his first appearance in Boston) From the 
Theatres of Philadelphia and Baltimore (p. 3/1). 

Of the twelve who formed the Old Colony Club in 1769, five were graduates 
of Harvard College: Oakes Angier, 1764; John Thomas and Edward Winslow, Jr., 
1765; John Watson, 1766; and Alexander Scammell, 1769. Plays were acted by 
the students, sometimes with the sanction of the college authorities, as early as 
1758 (Nation, March 19, 1914, xcviii. 295); and some if not all of the above five 
may well have taken part in them. At all events, though the Boston Theatre 
was first opened on February 3, 1794, it is interesting to note that on February 8, 
1770, "This evening was read at the Hall the 'Provoked Husband,' a comedy, 
by M'' M. A. Warwel, to a company of about forty gentlemen and ladies, by 
invitation of the Club" (Records, p. 407). Among the guests of the Club pres- 
ent on July 29 and August 5, 1772, was Joseph Croswell, "a shop-keeper in Plym- 
outh" (Records, pp. 430-431, 431 note). In later years Croswell wrote a play 
entitled: "A New World Planted; or, the Adventm-es of the Forefathers of New- 
England; who landed in Plymouth, December 22, 1620. An Historical Drama 
— in Five Acts. By Joseph Croswell. Boston: . . . 1802." A notice in the 
Boston Weekly Magazine of Saturday, December 18, states that "On Monday 
next, will be published ... an Historical Drama, . . . By Joseph Croswell" 
(i. 31). The play, which is the earliest known to me on the subject of the Pil- 
grims, deals chiefly with the conspiracy of John Lyford and John Oldham; but 
among the characters are Pocahonte, a daughter of Massasoit, and "Hampden, 
a young gentleman, who came to view the country, in love with Pocahonte." 
So far as I am aware, Croswell's play was never acted. 

It was stated in the Columbian Centinel of December 21, 1808, that "A new 
Melo Drama, entitled 'The Pilgrims,' is in rehearsal, and will speedily be brought 
forward" (p. 3/3) at the Boston Theatre. It was given on December 23d, 1808; 
on December 26th "for the second time;" and on January 2, 1809, "for the 
Sd and last time this season . . . (ivith alterations)." Among the Indians are 
Massasoit, Squanto, Samoset, Chickatawbut, and "Yankee, an Indian Woman;" 
and among the "English Pilgrims" are Governor Carver, Capt. Standish, "Boat- 
swain Blunder," Mr. Winslow, Mr. Cushman, and Juliana. Also, the "Genius 
of Columbia." Among the performers who played " Other Pilgrims " occurs 
the name of " Mrs Poe," who, seventeen days after the last performance, be- 
came the mother of Edgar Allan Poe. I have been unable to ascertain who the 
author of this play was, or whether it was ever pubhshed. The following 
description is taken from a copy of the play-bill owned by the Boston Pubhc 
Library: 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 343 

It will appear strange to many, that a festival originating in a grate- 
ful sense of the virtues of our forefathers, and a desire to perpetuate 
their memories, should not escape the malignity of democratic opposi- 



The Pilgrims, a new Melo Drama, never performed. 

On FRIDAY EVENING, Dec. 23, 1808, 
"Will be presented, Tobin's celebrated Play, in 3 Acts, called the 

CURFEW: 
OR, THE DANISH BANDITTI. 



To which will he added, a new Melo Drama, written by a gentleman of Boston, 
in 3 acts, called 

THE PILGRIMS, 

Or, the Landing of our Forefathers at 

PLYMOUTH ROCK. 



In the course of the Melo Drama, the following Scenery, Incidents, &c. 

A View of the Rock and Plymouth Bay, and the landing of the Pilgrims. The 
whole scene represents Winter, with a snow storm. After returning thanks 
to Heaven for their safe arrival, Carver orders one of the Pilgrims to cut 
on the Rock, DECEMBER 22d, 1620, the day of their landing. 

An alarm of Indians; the Pilgrims place themselves in an attitude of defence; 
Squanto and Samoset enter, and by the friendly disposition of the former, 
an arrangement is made; the Indians are loaded with presents and depart 
well satisfied. 

A comic scene between an Irish Boatswain and an Indian Woman. The peril- 
ous situation of Juliana through the treachery of one of the Pilgrims. The 
act concludes with a GLEE and CHORUS. 

In act II — Scene 1st Represents, several half finished Houses, at the end the 
Store House, with the Standard fixed — a shell sounds to annoimce the 
arrival of Massasoit. A Grand INDIAN MARCH. A Treaty of Peace 
and Amity made and confirmed between Carver and Massasoit. The 
treachery of Samoset, who attempts to carry off the person of Juliana. 
She struggles and seizes his Tomahawk and pursues him — he implores her 
pardon — which she grants — he wrests the Tomahawk from her and aims 
a dreadful blow, when Winslow rushes in to her rescue — his gun misses 
fire — he draws his sword and a combat ensues — in the mean time Juli- 
ana takes the gun and fires at Samoset without effect — Winslow is woimded, 
and Samoset pursues Juliana — who is seen ascending a rock — she reaches 
the summit, and as Samoset is following, she strikes him with the fuzee, and 
he falls headlong down the precipice. Juliana is at length rescued by 
Massasoit. 



344 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF ]\LA.SSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

tion. But so it is. The feast of the Sons of the Pilgrims is detested 
by the ranting Innovators of the present day, and the very mention of 
the habits and principles of those, to whom we owe many of our best 
institutions is a rock of offence} 

The following satirical piece appeared in the Independent Chroni- 
cle of December 27, 1804 (p. 2) : 

THE PILGRIMS — a dream. 

IN consequence of the parade that is made previously to this mock- 
celebration, by our eating Aristocracy, I was induced to reflect upon 
the subject, and was lamenting that such a solemn, providential and 
virtuous occurrence as that of the landing of our forefathers, at Plym- 
outh, should be thus satirized and rendered into burlesque, by men 
who neither possess their principles of pious thought nor liberal action; 
who would rather welcome a British tyrant to our shores, than retreat 
here from one. In this state of rumination and regret, I fell asleep; 
and, methought I was translated to the Concert-Hall, where a great 
number of well-fed, well-dressed Pilgrims, who had never endured 
penance beyond a drunken head-ache, were walking about with some 
impatience, looking at their gold watches, and demanding the dinner 
forthwith. At length the folding-doors of this magnificent banquet 
room were thrown open, and the perspiring cooks entered, with all the 
rarities of the season. . . . 

At the upper end of the room was written, in letters of gold, 

Eamus quo ducit gula, peregrini! 
and at the lower end was inscribed, 

"'T is merry in the hall, 
" When chins wag all." 

THE INDIAN METHOD OF LYING IN AMBUSH. 

And the act concludes with a Procession of Indians, carrying 
Winslow and Juliana on their boughs. 
In act 3, The Indians preparing to sacrifice one of the Pilgrims. Scene 2d, 
A dreadful Combat with Clubs and Shields, between Samoset and Squanto. 
Scene last — A View of an Indian Encampment. A Marriage and Nuptial 
Dance. 

AFTER WmCH, 

The Genius of Columbia descends in a Magnificent Temple, surrounded with 
Clouds. 

1 New England Palladium, December 25, 1804, p. 2/5; Columbian Centinel, 
December 26, 1804, pp. 1-2. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 345 

I observed that the company attempted to eat their soup, at first, 
with cockle shells, (a la Palerin) but his honor, the moderator, having 
spilled some fat broth on a new pair of black satin breeches, he called 
for spoons, and the antique fashion was abandoned. . . . When they 
filled a bumper to the memory of our oppressed but honored forefathers, 
I observed that some quizzing Pilgrims leered in derision, while they 
gulphed down the votive potation! 

When the cloth was removed, the presiding actor at the serio-tragic 
comic, annual farce, called on Pilgrim Ben for a sentiment; who archly 
gave, " in gaining a pint, may we never lose a gallon." — Some of the 
party began to murmur at this idea, as a sarcasm, retrospectively 
levelled at the recent misfortune of the Aristocracy. At length order 
was restored, by the president calling for the following annual com- 
memorative song or h^Tnn: — 

The Pilgrims in Masquerade, 

OR 

FEDERALISM in the SUDS! 
IN penance for past folly, 
We Pilgrims, melancholly, 
Get drunk to make us jolly. 

And laugh at Liberty! 
Th' Electoral Ticket fails us, 
Abhorrent Truth assails us; 
Now what the Devil ails us, 

Is known 'twLxt you and me! . . . 

Nor did the fact that the celebration this year occurred on a 
Saturday escape the notice of the Democrats, as appears from two 
criticisms : 

Forefathers. — In celebrating the arrival of our forefathers, it is 
proper, not only that their political, but religious principles should be 
venerated. — Quere, whether our pious ancestors spent their Saturday 
evenings in a bacchanalian repast, and trespassed on the solemnities 
of the Sabbath, by jocular songs, and other demonstrations of irreligion. 
— But this is modern religion under the sanction of federalism.^ 

Say, ye Priests, ye ministers of the pure, peaceable, and holy religion 
of Jesus, how can you mingle, in the laugh of revenge, the toasts of 
slander, and the song of personal contempt, on a Saturday evening, 
and bend with confidence over the board of devotion on the day fol- 
lowing ! ^ 

1 Independent Chronicle, December 24, 1804, p. 3/1. 

« Ibid. December 27, 1804, p. 2/4. Cf. p. 301 note 1, above. 



346 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

In 1805 the day was celebrated on December 21st, as the 22d fell 
on Sunday. "Among the gentlemen present," we read, "were the 
descendants of Bkudford, Winslow, Brewster, Standish, Win- 
THROP and HiGGiNSON, the most prominent characters among 
those who established the oldest colony in this part of America;" 
but neither their names nor those of the presiding officers were 
printed in the newspapers.^ 

The Independent Chronicle of December 26 remarked : 

ANNIVERSARY. 

It has been announced in our papers, that a number of the "most 
respectable" gentlemen celebrated the anniversary of the landing of our 
forefathers at Plymouth. Who these most respectable characters are, 
we are not told. . . . The toasts on this occasion are a kind of enigmatical 
declaration of political principles, which would puzzle any man to com- 
prehend. Their volunteers are not promulgated; being, it is supposed, 
either too absurd for perusal in a cool moment, or too high seasoned for 
the present taste of the public. We understand, however, that the favorite 
song of "Rule Britannia," was sung among the sons of the pilgrims; in 
honor, no doubt, of the late "glorious victory,"^ which enables the 
British navy to extend its sovereignty over the ocean, . . . How a 
merchant ^ could sit with composure to hear a song in praise of a nation 
which had interdicted almost the whole commerce of this country, is 
as remarkable as any narrative we could find in Mather's Magnalia. 
How wonderfully profound must these "wise men of the east" have ap- 
peared. A lawyer on one side, a priest on the other, and a merchant on 
the centre, all joining a chorus — " Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the 
waves!" . . . Callipee and callipash, clams and oysters, succatouch 
and pumpkin puddings, turkies, ducks, chickens, beef, venison, meat 
pies, custards, and other siveat meats; the whole interlaid and dove tailed 
with cider, punch, wine, brandy, and other mouth waters, forming a 
salutary repast most grateful to the delicate stomachs of jovial pilgrims 
in honor of their ancestors. 

How would a Higginson, Broadstreet, Bradford, Winslow, Brewster, 
Standish, or a Winthrop, have looked, after partaking of such a pon- 
derous meal as these "most respectable" gentlemen carried away under 
their jackets on Saturday night last! Our worthy forefathers would 

1 Columbian Centinel, December 25, 1805, p. 2/3. 

« Battle of Trafalgar, October 21, 1805. 

» Perhaps an allusion to Stephen Higginson. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 347 

not have been able to stagger under such a load, especially if some of 
them had to preach on the next day. Alack a-day, (some of their parish- 
ioners would cry) our parson looks as if he had been a husking ! 

It is understood, however, that the song was not generally applauded, 
though some who ought to imbibe the spirit of their ancestors were 
more elated than others of their brother pilgrims (p. 3/1). 

Under the signature of "Agricola" appeared in the Independent 
Chronicle of January 2, 1806 (pp. 1-2), the following — 

Reflections on a late Feast of Shells in Boston. 

. . . Some years ago, a number of persons, who had been engaged in 
the toils, dangers and anxieties of the revolution, proposed to celebrate, 
annually, the origin of our country, and to honor the memory of the 
men, who fled to these shores to secure their natural, civil & religious 
rights. In honor to the ancestors of the country, who were fed with 
clams, and other bounties of the sea, they called it a feast of shells. 
There were no parties in politics or religion among them; but all was love, 
peace, and harmony. No offensive or abusive toasts were given, no 
irritating, obscene or lascivious song was heard; but a cheerful, and 
dignified gravity, adorned the priest and the people, while decent sacri- 
fices were offered, and the libations of temperance and chaste propriety 
were poured at the passover of New England. . . . 

The terrible party, united under the auspices of colonel Hamilton, 
held all the ideas of republicanism in derision; . . . He died in the field 
of murder, in a duel, yet his party, the party at the late feast of shells, 
celebrate his character, and his praises have even tinged the forms of 
public devotion with the pollution of guilt. 

This party have crouded themselves into every public place, where 
impudence can remove the bars of decency and patriotism; and having 
gained the seats at the feast of shells; ha\Tiig polluted the anniversary, 
with the principles of monarchy,^ and having served up the leeks, the 
onions, and the flesh pots of Egypt, on the alter of the New England 
passover — the men who love the principles of our ancestors, retired 
from their noisy uproar, and do not appear at the irregular Jubilee. 

But as these men have published their toasts to the world, and have 



^ "Q. What is the chief end of Federalism? A. Federalism's chief end is to 
glorify the Pope and enjoy him ia a free land" (The Federal Catechism Meta- 
morphosed: or, the Natural Spirit of FederaUsm Exposed, from the Works »of 
their Federal Holiness, 1805, p. 3. On the same page is an allusion to "the reign 
of John Adams"). 



348 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [DeC. 

had the audacity to call themselves the principal men of the town of 
Boston, their indecency of conduct merits some serious remarks. . . . 

This renders it necessary, that the public should know who those 
heroes of the bottle are, that have the confidence to call themselves the 
principal men of the town of Boston. Were there any senators, coun- 
selors, or representatives there? . . . Were ministers of religion there? 
if they were, let it be known. Did they smile on the obscene song, or 
join in the chorus of Brittania rule the waves? . . . 

Besides this, while we are contending for the important and enrich- 
ing privileges of national nutrality, what will other nations conceive of 
us, when they shall read in our gazettes, that the principal men of Bos- 
ton, at a public feast, openly, in the noise of the loud chorus, and in the 
riotous huzza of the pointed toast, appeared to be already inlisted on 
one side of the belligerent powers, had realed, by political inclination, 
over the line of nutrality, and avowed themselves the decided, though 
intoxicated, volunteers of one party in the European war? . . . 

To this a Federalist replied: 

MR. RUSSELL, 

THE toasts given at the last "Feast of Shells," in this town, which 
the Chronicle first found innocent or, at worst, enigmatical, are 
now pronounced, by an infuriated "Agkicola," to be seditious, a profa- 
nation of the principles and characters of our ancestors, "an abuse of 
our happy constitutions and of those who formed and are determined to 
maintain them." 

Such wanton perversion of language, such malignant and unquali- 
fied calumny of good citizens and respectable men, can only proceed 
from the pen of an occasional contributor to the Chronicle, whose de- 
lirious effusions exhibit a melancholy picture of human extravagance 
and folly; and who generally interlards his miserable productions with 
an affected parade of historical learning, of which he knows little; — 
and with scraps of Latin, of which he knows nothing. . . . 

"Agricola" makes a clamorous call for the names of those who so 
audaciously dined together on this occasion, and seems solicitous to 
have the Bill of Fare. He knows, or ought to know, that being charged 
with the high crimes of sedition and rebellion, they are not bound to fur- 
nish evidence against themselves. As to their bill of fare, they do not 
apprehend that they could be endangered by giving it, in all its variety; 
but in a case so critical, it is discreet to be silent.^ . . . 



» Columbian Centinel, January 4, 1806, p. 2/4. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 349 

The writer's refusal to divulge the names of those present seems 
to indicate some uneasiness of mind. At all events, the Boston 
celebrations reached their height in 1804, and the vigorous attacks 
on those who managed the festival in 1805 had thfeir effect, for, 
though the celebrations were continued for a few years, they lost 
their political significance and soon ceased altogether.^ It is worth 
noting that at none of these Feasts of Shells was there a discourse, 
nor does it appear that there were ever any speeches. But in 1813 
the day was celebrated by the Massachusetts Historical Society in a 
formal manner, a notice of which will bring to a close these accounts 
of Boston celebrations : 

Commemoration of the Landing of the Fathers. 

WE are happy to hear that this interesting anniversary is about to 
be celebrated by the Massachusetts Historical Society, in a manner 
appropriate to the occasion and worthy of this highly valuable insti- 
tution. At eleven o'clock, THIS DAY, the Hon. John Davis, will de- 
liver an ORATION before the Society, in the Stone Chapel; and the 
Rev. Dr. Fkeeman and Dr. Holmes will perform suitable religious 
services. It will be, doubtless, a scene, which the taste and refinement 
of this metropolis will delight to witness. — And notwithstanding the 
usual obtrusive modes of attracting public notice have been omitted by 
the Society, the interest of the occasion and the rank and genius of tbe 
speaker will, unquestionably, assemble a large and discriminating 
audience. We understand that the doors will be opened for ladies at 
10 o'clock.^ 

^ In 1806 the celebration was duly recorded in the Columbian Centinel of 
December 24, p. 2/3. The same paper of December 19, 1807, contented itself 
with remarking that "The anniversary will also be noticed in this to^Ti by the 
Descendants of the Pilgrim fathers" (p. 2/3). There is no notice of a celebration 
in 1808. The Centinel of December 27, 1809, merely stated that "The above 
anniversary was respectfully noticed by a number of the Sons of the Pilgrims, in 
this town: — who partook of an excellent dinner in the Exchange Coffee-House" 
(p. 2/3). This was apparently the last of the Boston celebrations, except that in 
1813. The following advertisement appeared in the Columbian Centinel of 
December 22, 1824: 

LANDING of the PILGRIMS. 

THE Columbian and City-Museum, Common-street, (late Tremont) wiU be 
brilliantly illuminated in good style, in commemoration of this Anniversary, 
THIS EVENING. Music on different Instruments (p. 3/4). 

2 Columbian Centinel, December 22, 1813, p. 2/4. A proposal to make the 
anniversary permanent failed (1 Proceedings Massachusetts Historical Society, 



350 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Of the celebrations that occurred elsewhere than at Plymouth or 
Boston, one only need be mentioned — that at New York on De- 
cember 22, 1805. It was thus described : 

CONTRAST. 

[We present the following account of the proceedings of the Sons of the Pil- 
grims, in New York, as a just satire on those of this town.] 

On Saturday last the members of the "New England Society," in this 
city, celebrated the 185th Anniversary of the landing of their fore- 
fathers at Plymouth. An elegant dinner was prepared for the occasion 
by Mr. Lovett. The Rev. Docts. Rogers and Beach ^ performed in a 
devout and very appropriate manner the accustomed religious services 
of the table. More than 150 gentlemen of the society, forgetting all 
differences of party and opinion, united to celebrate the occasion with 
an affectionate remembrance of their common origin and in the true 
spirit of a society, the objects of which are friendship, charity and mutual 
assistance. 

This we believe, is the first time in this state that the descendants of 
New England, now so extensively diffused, have joined in a pubUc and 
solemn celebration of that anniversary. . . . 

Among the toasts were the following: 

2. New England. . . . 

3. The city of Leyden, . . . 

5. John Carver, first Governor of the first colony of New-England. 

6. John Winthrop, the verierable founder and first Governor of 
Massachusetts. 

7. John Smith, who gave to New-England its name, and to its in- 
habitants a bright example of naval skill and courage, 

8. The descendants of the first settlers of New-York — we respect 
them as our elder brethren, and may they regard W5 as members of their 
family. 

12. The President of the United States — Drank standing. 



i. 235-236, 237, 239). Judge Davis's oration was printed in 1814 in 2 Mass- 
achusetts Historical Collections, vol. i. pp. i-xxxi; and also separately with the 
following title: "A Discourse before the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
Boston, December 22, 1813. At their anniversary commemoration of the first 
Landing of our Ancestors at Plymouth, in 1620 . . . Boston: . . . 1814." 

1 Probably Rev, WiUiam Rogers (1751-1824), and Rev. Abraham Beach 
(1740-1828). 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 351 

It is further stated that "the toasts were interspersed with many 
excellent Songs," one of which "had been composed at a few 
hours' notice" by Thomas Green Fessenden.^ 

In the discourses delivered at Plymouth and in the accounts of 
the celebrations held there from 1769 to 1798, both included, the 
words "ancestors," "ancestry," "fathers," and "forefathers" fre- 
quently occur, but neither Pilgrim nor Pilgrim Fathers. These 
terms were first recorded, in 1798 and 1799 respectively, not at 
Plymouth, where one would naturally expect to find them, but in 
Boston. 'It is a reasonable conjecture, however, that they were in 
colloquial use before they found their way into print; and it seems 
fair to assume that they arose at Plymouth somewhere between 
1793 and 1798.^ 



1 Independent Chronicle, January 2, 1806, p. 2/1. The New England Society 
of Charleston was founded January 6, 1819, and incorporated December 20, 
1820; and discourses were annually delivered from 1819 to 1835, both included 
(p. 61 of "An Oration delivered on the anniversary of the New-England Society, 
Charleston, S. C. December 22. 1835; in commemoration of the Landing of the 
Pilgrims upon the Rock of Plymouth, December 22d. 1620. By Joshua Barker 
Whitridge, A.M., M.D. . . . Charleston: . . . 1836.") Apparently the third 
New England Society to be formed outside of New England was that in Phila- 
delphia. (Discourse before the Society of the Sons of New England of the 
City and County of Philadelphia, on the History of the early settlement of their 
country; being their first anniversary. Delivered December 21, 1844, by their 
President, Samuel Breck. Philadelphia: . . . 1845.) The "Address delivered 
before the TTew England Society of Michigan, December 22, 1848," by Lewis 
Cass, was printed at Detroit in 1849. The "Address delivered before the New 
England Society of San Francisco, at the American Theatre, on the twenty- 
second day of December, A. D. 1852. By Rev. T. Dwight Himt. Pastor of 
the New England Church," was printed at San Francisco in 1853. 

^ Though not recorded at Plymouth until 1800, it is possible that the word 
Pilgrim was employed in the "spirited song composed by B. Seymour" in 1797 
(p. 308, above), which does not appear to have been printed. Previous to 1798, 
apparently the only poems written for these occasions were those by A. Scam- 
mell in 1770 (p. 301, above), by J. Davis in 1794 (p. 306, above), and by 
B. Seymour in 1797. A poem entitled " Thanksgiving Hymn. Deo Optim. Maxim. 
Composed for December 11th," and dated "Boston, December, 1783," was 
printed in the Boston Magazine for December, 1783, i. 70-71. Poems on the 
subject of the Pilgrims will be found in Thacher's History of the Town of 
PljTuouth (pp. 373-382 of the 1832 edition, pp. 341-352 of the 1835 edition); 
in Airs of the Pilgrims, appended to W. S. Russell's Guide to Plymouth (1846); 
and in Zilpha H. Spooner's Poems of the Pilgrims (1881). The most famous 
of these poems is of course that written by Mrs. Hemans, about which Mon- 
cure D. Conway related the following anecdote in his Autobiography (1904) : 



352 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Origin of the Term 

We have seen that, as applied specifically to the early settlers at 
Plymouth, Pilgrim first appeared in 1798 and Pilgrim Fathers in 
1799. To explain how these terms came to be so used, we must 
glance back one hundred and seventy-eight years. But before doing 
so, let us consider the words pilgrim and yeregrine. The former, 
derived from the Latin peregrinum, "one that comes from foreign 
parts, a stranger," has, with its derivatives, been employed in Eng- 
lish literature for over seven centuries in various senses, but chiefly 
in the following five. (1) "One who travels from place to place; a 
person on a journey; a wayfarer, a traveller; a wanderer; a so- 
journer," found as early as about 1200.^ (2) "One who journeys 
(usually a long distance) to some sacred place, as an act of religious 
devotion; one who makes a pilgrimage," found as early as about 
1225. (3) "Figuratively, chiefly in allegorical religious uses," 
found as early as about 1225. (4) In American history, as discussed 
in this paper.^ (5) "An original settler; a new-comer, a recent im- 
migrant."^ The word peregrine, derived from the Latin peregrinus, 



" WTien the elder Channing visited Europe he went to see Mrs. Hemans, whose 
poems were popular in America, in her home near Windermere. He spoke of 
her hymn on ' The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in New England,' and told 
her that he had heard it sung by a great multitude on the spot where the 
Pilgrims landed. But when, in answer to her questions, he was compelled to 
inform her that the coast described in her hymn as 'stern and rock-bound' 
was without any rocks, she burst into tears" (i. 161). The following advertis- 
ment was printed in the Columbian Centinel of December 20, 1826 (p. 3/4): 

PILGRIM FATHERS. 

A SONG written by Mrs. Hemans, and set to Music by her sister. Miss 
Browne — is This Day published by C. BRADLEE, and for sale by 
S. H. PARKER, 164, Washington-street. 

The profits arising from the sale of the above will be appropriated for the 
benefit of the author, Mrs. Hemans. 

^ These definitions, and the dates of early use, are taken (except in sense 4) 
from the Oxford English Dictionary. 

2 The present investigation was undertaken for the Dictionary at the request 
of Sir James Murray in 1905. At the meeting held in December of that year, 
the tentative results then reached were placed before the Society (PubUcations, 
X. 180). 

* Marked " U. S. and Colonial," the two earliest extracts (1851, 1865) being 
from New Zealand sources. The third extract is the following from L. Swin- 



19141 THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 353 

has been employed, with its derivatives, in meanings similar to those 
of pilgrim, for over five centuries. In particular we should note the 



bume's article on The Bucolic Dialect of the Plains in Scribner's Magazine for 
October, 1887: 

"Pilgrim" and "tenderfoot" were formerly applied almost exclusively to 
newly imported cattle, but by a natural transference they are usually used to 
designate all new-comers, tourists and business-men (ii. 508). 

This is putting the cart before the horse as regards pilgrim certainly, and 
probably as regards tenderfoot also. At all events, the example is a belated one, 
and so a few other extracts are cited. In 1841 the Rev. WilHam L. McCalla 
probably meant by the word a wanderer, but as his use of the word is the earliest 
known to me in the West, I give his sentence: 

After such an address from a citizen of that calumniated country [Texas] to a 
shattered old pilgrim, I took the liberty of withdrawing to another apartment, 
to enjoy in secret the luxury of weeping, and communing with home and with 
heaven (Adventures in Texas, p. 46). 

In 1852 Captain Howard Stansbury, speaking of Salt Lake City, but not re- 
ferring to the Mormons in particular, wrote: 

The studding, therefore, of this beautiful city with noble trees, will render it, 
by contrast with the surrounding regions, a second "Diamond of the Desert," 
in whose welcome shade, like the solitary Sir Kenneth and the princely Ilderim, 
the pilgrim, wayworn and faint, may repose his jaded limbs and dream of the 
purling brooks and waving woodlands he has left a thousand miles behind 
him (Exploration and Survey of the Valley of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, 
p. 129). 

In a letter dated Fort Kearney, Nebraska Territory, June 11, 1866, Col. James 
F. MeHne said he had "ascertained from the officer on duty there that since - 
May 15, emigrant trains have gone west from Kearney City at the rate of eighty 
wagons and one himdred and sixty people (men, women, and children) per day," 
and inserted "an extract from the Kearney City paper giving the departures for 
two days," June 5 and 6. This is headed "list of freighters' and pilgrims' 
TRAINS ORGANIZED AT AND PASSING WEST OF Kearney." Meline adds this 
note: 

The term Pilgrims for emigrants first came into use at the period of the heavy 
Mormon travel — the Mormons styling themselves "Pilgrims to the promised 
land of Utah." The word has been retained on the Plains, and applied indiscrim- 
inately to all emigrants (Two Thousand Miles on Horseback, Santa F6 and 
Back, 1867, p. 22 and note). 

In 1869 Dr. Ferdinand V. Hayden wrote: 

During the gold excitement in the San Juan Mountains, west of the Rio 
Grade del Norte, in 1862, a large number of miners, or, as they were called in 
those days, "pilgrims," crossed the Sangre de Christo Pass, and camped for rest 
after a long journey from Idaho, Montana, and Northern Colorado, on Placiere 



354 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

way in which these words have been employed in the Bible, espe- 
cially in St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. In the Geneva version 

Creek (Preliminary Field Report of the United States Geological Survey of 
Colorado and New Mexico, p. 73). 

In 1873 the Rev. James D. Butler remarked: 

Many pioneers leave their families in the old home, until they have prepared 
the new ones. Few can leave their farms and go for them, but westward trains 
are full of wives carrying children to their husbands. Sixteen babies have been 
counted in a single car on this pilgrimage — Japhets in search of their Fathers 
(Nebraska: its Characteristics and Prospects, p. 17). 

In a letter to the writer dated Unity, Montana, December 27, 1905, Mr. C. W. 
Cook said: 

In 1868 I was interested in placer mining in Diamond City, at that tim.e quite a 
noted mining camp. A gentleman from Chicago spent a few days with me. He was 
quite an extensive traveler and a writer of some standing. To him I expressed a 
great desire to explore the upper valley of the Yellowstone. It seemed to interest 
him as something new in the line of travel, and he proposed to join me. But after 
due dehberation I decided it was too late in the season to take a trip into unexplored 
mountains with a "pilgrim" not inured to hardship, so the matter was dropped. 

Mention should also be made of the fact that there once existed in this 
country a fanatical sect called the PUgrims. The only allusion I have found 
to them occurs under date of January 21, 1820, when Thomas Nuttall, then at 
the junction of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, wrote : 

Not far from this place, a few days ago were encamped, the miserable 
remnant of what are called the Pilgrims, a band of fanatics, originally about 
60 in number. They commenced their pilgrimage from the borders of Canada, 
and wandered about with their wives and children tlirough the vast wilderness 
of the western states, like vagabonds, without ever fixing upon any residence. 
They looked up to accident and charity alone for support ; imposed upon 
themselves rigid fasts, never washed their skin, or cut or combed their hair, 
and like the Dunkards wore their beards. Settling nowhere, they were con- 
sequently deprived of every comfort which arises from the efforts of industry. 
Desertion, famine, and sickness, soon reduced their numbers, and they were 
every where treated with harslmess and neglect, as the gypsies of modern 
civilized society. Passing through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, they at length 
found their way down the Mississippi to the outlet of White river and the 
Arkansa. Thus ever flying from society by whom they were despised, and by 
,whom they had been punished as vagabonds, blinded by fanatic zeal, they 
lingered out their miserable lives in famine and wretchedness, and have now 
nearly all perished or disappeared. Two days after my arrival in the territory, 
one of them was found dead in the road which leads from the Mississippi to 
Arkansas. If I am correctly informed, there now exists of them only one man, 
three women, and tv.'O children. Two other children were taken from them in 
compassion for their miserable situation, and the man was but the other day 
seized by a boat's crew descending the river, and forcibly shaved, washed, and 
dressed (Journal of Travels into the Arkansa Territory, 1821, pp. 226-227). 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 355 

of 1557 — and it was this version which the Mayflower passengers 
brought with them — Hebrews XI. 13 reads thus: 

And they all dyed in faith, and receaued not the promises, but sawe 
them a farre of, and beleued them, and receaued them with thanckes, 
and confessed that they were strangers and pylgrems on the earth.^ 

It was design, not chance, that gave to the first child of English 
parents born in New England the name of Peregrine White .^ 

' The English Hexapla (1841). It will be of interest to give, from the same 
source, five other versions previous to 1620: 

Wiclif, 1380: bi feith alle these ben deed, whanne the biheestis weren not takun 
but thei behilden hem afer, and gretynge hem wel: and knowlechiden that thei 
weren pilgryms, & herborid men on the erthe. 

Tjmdale, 1534: And they all dyed in fayth and receaved not the promyses: 
but sawe them a farre of and beleved them and saluted them: and confessed 
that they were straungers and pilgrems on the erthe. 

Cranmer, 1539: These all dyed accordynge to fayth, whan they had not re- 
ceaued the promyses: but sawe them a farre of, and beleued them, and saluted 
them, and confessed, that they were straungers and pilgrems on the erthe. 

Rheims, 1582: According to faith died al these, not hauing receiued the prom- 
ises, but beholding them a farre of, and saluting them, and confessing that they 
are pilgrimes and strangers vpon the earth. 

Authorized, 1611: These all died in faith, not hauing receiued the promises, 
but hauing seene them afarre off, and were perswaded of them, and embraced 
them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

As printed in the 1856 edition of Bradford's History (p. 59), the marginal refer- 
ence to "Heb. 11" was placed in a footnote and so easily overlooked. Some 
writers have apparently not been aware that Bradford was quoting from the 
Bible. Thus John A. Goodwin, remarking that "Bradford never wrote a finer 
sentence than this, which ends his story of the departure," quotes the passage 
in the text (Pilgrim Republic, 1888, p. 49). 

^ "And beyond that place they were enioyned not to goe, whereupon, a 
Company was chosen to goe out vppon a third discoverie: whilest some were 
imployed in this discovery, it pleased God that Mistris White was brought to 
bed of a Sonne, which was called Peregrine" (Mourt's Relation, 1622, p. 15). 
The exact date of his birth on the Mayflower is not known, but the late Dr. 
Dexter (in his edition of Moiul-'s Relation, 1865, p. 42 note) put it between 
December 7 and 10, 1620 (New Style). He was the son of William and Susanna 
(Fuller) White; was brought up by Edward Winslow, who married his mother 
Susanna; and died July 20, 1704. In the Massachusetts Magazine for Septem- 
ber, 1790, appeared the following: 

Newengland, for salubrity of air and temperature of climate, has been much 
and very justly celebrated. Frequent instances of longevity confirm this opin- 
ion. There is a woman now living in Marshfield, County of Plymouth, in the 
ninety fifth year of her age. Although Newengland has been settled almost an 
hundred and seventy years, yet she perfectly remembers Peregrine White, the 



356 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

In 1630 Governor Bradford began to write his History of Ply- 
mouth Plantation. Referring to the departure from Leyden on 
July 21-31, 1620, he said: 

And y ^ time Being that they must departe, they were ac- 
companied vnth most of their Brethren out of y* citie, vnto 
a towne sundrie miles of called Delfes-Hauen wher the 
ship lay ready to receiue them. So they lefte y* goodly 
& pleasante citie, which had been ther resting place, nere 
.12. j^ears; but they knew they were pilgrimes & looked 
Heb. 11. not much on those things; but lift vp their eyes to y^ 

heauens, their dearest cuntrie; and quieted their spirits.^ 
Though Bradford's History was not published until 1856 it was 
well known to American historians before the disappearance of the 
manuscript at the Revolution, and the above passage had more 
than once made its appearance in print before 1798. The first time 
was in 1669, when Nathaniel Morton gave it as follows: 

. . . and the time being come that they must depart, 
they were accompanied with most of their Brethren 
out of the City, unto a Town called Delfs Haven, where 
the Ship lay ready to receive them: so they left that 
goodly and pleasant City, which had been their resting 
place above eleven years; but they knew that they were 
Hebr. 11. 16. Pilgrims and Strangers here below, and looked not much 

on these things, but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their 
dearest Country, where God hath prepared for them a 
City, and therein quieted their spirits.^ 

first child born after the arrival of our ancestors, and has several times attended 
publick worship with him. This woman is now in very good health (ii. 575). 
^ History of the Plimoth Plantation (facsimile edition, 1896), p. 36; Ford's 
edition, i. 124. In his New England's Memorial (1609, pp. 144-145), Morton 
printed "Certain Verses left by the Honoured William Bradford Esq; . . . 
penned by his own hand." These begin as follows: 

IROM my years young in dayes of Youth, 
God did muke known to me his Truth, 
And call'd me from my Native place 
For to enjoy the Means of Grace. 
In Wilderness he did me guide, 
And in strange Lands for me provide. 
In Fears and Wants, through Weal and Woe, 
As Pilgrim past I to and fro. 
2 New England's Memorial (1669), p. 5. In his Epistle Dedicatory "To the 
Right Worshipful, Thomas Prince Esq;" Morton declares that the Governor's 



F' 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 357 

In 1702 Cotton Mather wrote: 

After the fervent Supplications of this Day, accompanied by their 
affectionate Friends, they took their leave of the pleasant City, where 
they had been Pilgrims and Strangers now for Eleven Years.^ 

If the Reader would know, how these good People fared the rest of 
the Melancholy Winter; let him know, That besides the Exercises of 
Religion, with other Work enough, there was the care of the Sick to 
take up no little part of their Time. 'Twas a most heavy Trial of 
their Patience, whereto they were called the first Winter of this their 
Pilgrimage, and enough to convince them, and remind them, that they 
were but Pilgrims.'^ 

But the Vessel rose again, and when the Mariners with sunk Hearts 
often cried out, We sink! We sink! The Passengers without such 
Distraction of Mind, even while the Water was running into their 
Mouths and Ears, would chearfully Shout, Yet, Lord, thou ca?ist save! 
Yet, Lord, thou canst save! And the Lord accordingly brought them at 
last safe unto their Desired Haven: And not long after helped their 
Distressed Relations thither after them, where indeed they found upon 
almost all Accounts a new World, but a W^orld in which they found 
that they must live like Strangers and Pilgrims.^ 

In 1767 Governor Hutchinson remarked: 

After eleven or twelve years residence in Holland, . . . one of the 
congregations - . . determined to remove to America. There were 
many obstacles in their way and it took up several years of their pil- 
grimage * to make the necessary preparations for such an undertaking. 

* I think I may with singular propriety call their lives a pilgrimage. Most of 
them left England about the year 1609, after the truce with the Spaniards, young 
men between 20 and 30 years of age: They spent near 12 years, strangers among 
the Dutch, first, at Amsterdam, afterwards, at Leyden. After having arrived to 
the meridian of life, the declining part was to be spent in another world, among 
savages, of whom every European must have received a most unfavorable if not 
formidable idea. Tantum religio potuit suadere.* 



acceptance "shall ever oblige me to answerable returning of gratitude, and ad- 
minister to me further cause of thankfulness, That God hath given me an Habi- 
tation under your just and prudent Administrations; and wish for a Succession 
of such as may be skilful! to lead our Israel in this their peregrination." 
^ Magnalia, bk. i. eh. ii. § 4, p. 6. 

* Ibid. bk. i. ch. ii. § 10, p. 9. 
3 Ibid. bk. ii. ch. i. § 1, p. 3. 

* History of Massachusetts, Boston, ii. 451-452 and note. 



358 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

In 1775 the Rev. Samuel Baldwin preached from Hebrews XI. 8, 
and, referring to Abraham, said : 

It was a hard though just command — "get thee out of thy country', 
and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house." He quits all his 
possessions, foregoes every convenience, in his native land; bids adieu 
to dearest relatives, when, or whither ever to return again, he knew not; 
all was uncertainty; he departs, not knowing whither he went: How 
long he must wander as a pilgrim from city to city, from one kingdom 
and country to another; what hardships and difficulties he must undergo, 
to what dangers he must be exposed, he was altogether in the dark, 
ignorant, and unapprized. . . . 

Abraham, acting agreeable to these, acquitted himself in tbe best 
manner, with honour and dignity, with the approbation of his Maker. 
And while he wandered about, as a pilgrim, altogether uncertain of the 
time of the fulfilment of the promise, there was a part for him to act, 
agreeable to his character, as a man of sense and reason, a servant of 
the most High, and the father of the church of Israel. . . . 

This is the account given of tlie rise of the Fathers of this country: 
. . . And as the fathers viewed themselves as absolutely under the direc- 
tion of providence, they held themselves obligated to attend to its calls.^ 

Whether Baldwin had noted the use of Pilgrim by Morton or by 
Mather, it is impossible to determine; but Baldwin does not apply 
the term to the early settlers. That is, he does not specifically call 
the early settlers Pilgrims, though he does compare their con- 
dition with that of Abraham. 

In his sermon preached in 1793, the Rev. Chandler Robbins, 
pastor of the First Church at Plymouth, stated that "although the 
accounts chiefly must be derived necessarily from historical facts, 
. . . yet, I shall bring to your view, some circumstances — some 
ancient anecdotes, which, I presume, have never yet been made 
public, at least, wliich I have never seen. I shall take them from the 
first book of the very ancient records of this church, now in my 
hands." These early records had been kept by Nathatiel Morton, 
a nephew of Governor Bradford. Robbins continued : 

"And now, the trying time being come, that they must depart, (say 
the records) they were accompany'd by most of their brethren out of 
the city, into a town called Half-Haven, where the ship lay readye to 

.1 Sermon (1776), pp. 9-11, 16, 21-22. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 359 

receive them. So they left that goodlye and pleasant city, which had 
been theire resting-place, near twelve yeeres. But they knew they were 
pilgrimes, and looked not much on those things, but lifted up theire eyes 
to Heaven, theire dearest country, and quieted their spirits. . . ." ^ 

Thus, whether the term arose at PljTnouth or in Boston, its pedi- 
gree can be traced back through Robbins, Hutchinson, Mather, 
Morton, and Bradford to the departure from Leyden in 1620. There 
are several cases where the origin of a term must be sought for many 
years before the term itself came into existence, but there cannot be 
many to explain wliich it is necessary to look back one hundred and 
seventy-eight years. 

Propriety of Application 

"The latest English traveller," wrote the Rev. Joseph Hunter of 
London in 1849, referring to Sir Charles Ly ell's visit to Plymouth, 
"describes . . . the relics which are exhibited of these 'Pilgrim 
fathers,' as they are affectionately called." ^ A little later, however, 
doubts appear to have arisen in Hunter's mind as to the appro- 
priateness of" the term, and in 1854 he remarked : 

The people of New England pay all proper deference to the colony of 
New Plymouth as being the parent colony of their country, and they 
speak fondly, if not wisely, of the persons who established it as The 
Pilgrim Fathers.^ 

' There is something of affectation in this term, which is always displeasing; 
and we have seen also very strange applications of it: but further, it appears to 
me to be plulologically improper. A pilgrim is a person who goes in a devout 
spirit to visit a shrine — real in the first instance but afterwards a place where, 
it may be, no shrine is, but which is hallowed by some recollections which would 
deserve to have a substantial representative. An American who visits the place 
from which the founders of his country emigrated is a pUgrim iu the proper sense 
of the word, whether he finds, a shrine, an altar, or a stone of memorial, or not. 
But these founders when they sought the shores of America were proceeding to 
no object of this kind, and even leaving it to the winds and the waves to drive 
them to any point on an unknown and unmarked shore. There is, however, it 
must be owned, the same corrupt use of the word Pilgrim in the EngUsh version 
of the Scriptures, "and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the 
earth." ^ 



1 Sermon (1794), pp. 17-18, 2^30. 

^ Collections concerning the Early History of the Foimders of New Plymouth, 
the First Colonists of New England, London, 1849, p. 1. 

' Collections concerning the Foimders of New-Plymouth, London, 1854, p. 5 
and note. 



360 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

In an article called "Puritans — Pilgrims — Palmers," printed 
in a Boston newspaper in 1870, Charles C. Hazewell made — or, 
rather, repeated — the same criticism : 

Is it proper to speak of the men who came over in the Mayflower as 
"Pilgrim Fathers?" Puritans in language assure us it is not, and they 
are right, though time and usage, and poetical associations have sanc- 
tioned the term, so that it is worse than idle to object to it, seeing that 
the objection would lead to nothing but a waste of words, — and the 
objector would, it is probable, be regarded by all good Americans as a 
bore. Yet we may subscribe to what is said on this subject by one of 
the best of our authorities on the history of the Pilgrims. 

Mr. Hazewell then quoted the passage from Hunter given above, 
and added : " In a certain sense, the term is well used, for if the pil- 
grim be a wanderer, as he is according to one definition of the word, 
the Separatists who came hither certainly were pilgrims; for they 
wandered from England to Holland, and from Holland to America." ^ 
After what has been said in a previous section,^ it need hardly be 
pointed out that Hunter's criticism is due to an entire misapprehen- 
sion of the history and meanings of the word 'pilgrim, that the Scrip- 
tural use of the term is not "corrupt," that there is nothing either 
" philologically improper" or of "affectation" in our use of the term 
Pilgrim Fathers, and that such use is perfectly legitimate.^ 

Meaning of the Term 

For twelve years (1769-1780) the celebrations at Plymouth were 
purely local, the speakers and participants being either Plymotheans 
or from the neighboring towns in the Old Colony. For the next 
twelve years (1781-1792) the celebration fell into abeyance. Re- 
vived in 1793 and 1794, it was still local, and in 1797 it was merely a 
social gathering. It was instituted to commemorate those who 

1 Daily Evening Traveller, November 21, 1870, p. 1/4-5. The article is 
without signature, but was attributed to Mr. Hazewell, the editor of the Traveller, 
by John Ward Dean (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 
1871, XXV. 90). 

2 Pp. 352-359, above. 

' After quoting the passage from Bradford, J. A. Goodwin says: "The hyper- 
critics who query why these people should be called 'Pilgrims' will see that they 
applied it to themselves" (Pilgrim Republic, p. 49 note). This statement is mis- 
leading. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 361 

"landed" in 1620, and of course only the Mayflower passengers did 
land in that year. When, therefore, during the first twenty-nine 
years, the participants spoke of their "ancestors," "fathers," and 
"forefathers," undoubtedly they had chiefly in mind the Mayflower 
passengers, even though occasionally they drank toasts to the memo- 
ries of a few who, like Cushman and Morton, reached Plymouth after 
1620. But in 1798 the celebration began to assume a distinctly dif- 
ferent character. Though to commemorate the past was, and con- 
tinued to be, still the main object of the occasion, yet the present 
assumed a much greater prominence than heretofore; current poli- 
tics were emphasized; the speakers were generally chosen from 
beyond the limits of the Old Colony; and the horizon was greatly 
widened, including the early settlers of Massachusetts as distinct 
from those of Plymouth. When, too, in 1798, the Boston celebra- 
tions began, the field was still further broadened, for the Boston cele- 
brators, while not forgetful of the early Plymouth settlers, naturally 
had principally in mind the early Massachusetts settlers. Hence 
by about 1800 the terms Pilgrims and Pilgrim Fathers, which had 
then become well established, meant any early settlers of either of 
the two colonies which in 1692 were united under the Province of 
the Massachusetts Bay.^ And such use of the term continued for 
many years — indeed, still continues.^ 

1 About 1800, too, while the term Pilgrim Fathers was of course applied only 
to the early settlers, the meaning of the word Pilgrims was extended to include 
living persons who participated in the celebrations. This special meaning is 
now rarely encoimtered. 

2 In the following passages the term is applied either to the Massachusetts 
settlers only, or to the Plymouth and the Massachusetts settlers jointly (it often 
being difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between the two) : 1820, Rev. G. 
Spring, A Tribute to New England, in New England Society Orations (1901), 
i. 18, 21; 1822, Rev. P. M. Whelpley, The Memory of the Just is Blessed, in 
New England Society Orations, i. 133, 135 (WiUiam Stoughton); 1828, Rev. S. 
Green, Discourse (1829), pp. 14, 16; 1830, "The Pilgrim Fathers, or the Lives 
of some of the First Settlers of New England. Designed for Sabbath School 
Libraries" (contains lives of Robinson, Carver, Bradford, Winslow, and John 
Winthrop); 1836, Rev. J. Hawes, A Tribute to the Memory of the Pilgrims 
(second edition), pp. 93-118, 175; 1841, C. B. Hadduck, The Elements of Na- 
tional Greatness, in New England Society Orations, i. 280; 1844, Rev. J. A. 
Albro, The Fathers of New England (1845), p. 20; 1845, Rev. J. Pierce, 2 Pro- 
ceedings Massachusetts Historical Society, x. 398; 1846, C. W. Upham, The 
Spirit of the Day and its Lessons, in New England Society Orations, i. 446 
(Roger Clap); 1856, T. Bridgman, The Pilgrims of Boston and their Descend- 



362 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Towards the middle of the nineteenth century it was felt by some 
that the terms had been used too loosely. Thus in 1841 the Rev. 
Alexander Young declared that " The term Pilgrims belongs exclu- 
sively to the Plymouth colonists."^ In 1848 the Rev. Samuel M. 
Worcester wrote: 

There are those who will "garnish the sepulchres" of the "Pilgrims" 
of Pl^Tnouth Rock, and the " Fathers " * their associates of Salem, Charles- 
town, Boston, and other primitive settlements; while they are slow to 
recognize the true secret of the moral worth, and energy, and endur- 
ance, by which those godly sires achieved their noble deeds and won 
their renowned conquests and possessions. 

"It is to be observed," said the Rev. Alvan Lamson in 1851, "that 
the term 'Pilgrims' belongs exclusively to the Plymouth colonists. 
It is never by accurate writers applied to the Massachusetts colo- 
nists." ^ In 1866 Benjamin Scott spoke of "the Pilgrim Fathers of 
Plymouth Colony" as "the only persons to whom that term has 
been historically applied." ^ This restriction, however, of the terms 
Pilgrims and Pilgrim Fathers exclusively to the Plymouth settlers is 
recognized at the present time only in the Old Colony itself. 

About the middle of the nineteenth century, also, an attempt was 
made to define somewhat precisely the meaning of the terms. " Those 
who came in the first three ships," said Young in 1841, "the May- 

* Those who came to Plymouth are properly called "The Pilgrims"; — be- 
cause they had sojourned in Holland. We speak of them as "the Fathers." 
But "the Fathers" were not aU "Pilgrims." * 



ants (title); 1867, Rev. S. G. Buckingham, Memorial of the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 35; 
1874, W. Winters, The Pilgrim Fathers of Nazing, in New England Historical 
and Genealogical Register, xxviii. 140; 1881, Epochs and Episodes of History, 
p. 591 (Roger WiUiams); 1882, W. Winters, "Memorials of the Pilgrim Fathers, 
John Eliot and his Friends, of Nazing and Waltham Abbey" (title); 1893, J. P. 
Rylands, in New England Historical and Genealogical Register, xxxix. 39 (Rich- 
ard Mather); 1909, Rev. A. Whyte, Thomas Shepard, Pilgrim Father and 
Founder of Harvard (title); 1913, W. E. A. Axon, in Nation, xcvi. 149 (John 
Endicott). 

1 Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 88 note. 

2 The Memory of John Robinson: A Discourse (1852), p. 16. 

* The Pilgrim Fathers neither Puritans nor Persecutors (second edition, 
1869), p. 5. 

* Discourse (Boston, 1849), p. 6 and note. In the first edition of the Discourse 
(Salem, 1849) the footnote reads: "Those who came to Plymouth are properly 
called ' The Pilgrims'; — because they had sojourned in Holland" (p. 6 note). 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 363 

flower, the Fortune, and the Ann, are distinctively called the old 
comers, or the forefathers."^ In 1849 Sir Daniel Wilson wrote: 

The last of the The arrival of the Anne and Little James, with their 

Pilgrim Fathers. jjg^y band of emigrants casting in their lot with the 
founders of Plymouth, marks a period of peculiar in- 
terest in the annals of the Pilgrim Fathers. By all the 
historians of New England these later pilgrims are 
reckoned with those who came in the Mayflower and 
Fortune, as the Old Comers or Forefathers. It was the 
completion of the band of Pilgrims, the aristocracy of 
the New World, from whom, as from a fount of honour, 
its titles and its privileges were to be derived to all 
after ages.^ 

About 1884 John A. Goodwin remarked: 

The above list closes the catalogue of those who are known as the 
Pilgrims, the First Comers, or the Forefathers. These names, there- 
fore, are used synonymously for those who came in the "Mayflower," 
the "Fortune," and the "Anne," with her consort. The number at 
landing, it will be remembered, was: "Mayflower," 102; "Fortune," 
35; "Anne," about 96: total, 233. » 

In 1897 the late Edward Arber made this elaborate statement: 

Who were the Pilgrim Fathers? 

The general answer to this must be: 

All those members of the Separatist Church at Leyden, who voted for the 
emigration to America; whether they were actually able to go there or not: 
together with such others as joined their Church from England. 

Membership in the Pilgrim Church was the first qualification: intended, 
or actual, emigration to New England was the second one. 

This general definition will include the Rev. John Robinson and 
his family; who were unable to leave Leyden. It also includes the 35 
members of the Leyden Church who arrived, at Plymouth in New Eng- 
land, in the Fortune, in November 1621; the 60 who arrived, in the Ann 
and Little James in August 1623; the 35 with their families, who arrived 
in the Mayflower in August 1629; and the 60 who arrived in the Hand- 
maid, in May 1630. 

1 Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 352 note. 

^ The Pilgrim Fathers, in History of the Puritans in England, and the Pil- 
grim Fathers, p. 441. 

' Pilgrim RepubUc (1888), p. 244. 



364 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

It likewise includes Christopher Martin and his wife, who joined 
from Billericay in Essex: and Richard Warren, and John Billington 
sen. and his family; who came from London. 

It also embraces William King, who started from Southampton in the 
Mayflower on the 5th of August 1620; but who, with Robert Cush- 
MAN, returned back from the voyage, at Plymouth; . . . 

It further includes hired men, such as John Howl.\nd, a Man-servant 
in Governor Carver's family; and John Alden the cooper: who both 
came out in the Mayflower, and eventually embracing the Pilgrim 
Cause, became honoured men among the Pilgrim Fathers. 

On the other hand, it excludes all those members of the Pilgrim 
Church who had no wish to go to America. . . . 

It also excludes all hired men who went out in the Mayflower; and 
who did not become members of the Church in the Old Colony. So all 
the Mayflower passengers were not Pilgrim Fathers. 

It likewise excludes Thomas Weston and all the seventy Adventurers, 
as such : for having Shares in the Joint Stock did not make them Pilgrim 
Fathers. 

It further excludes (though it is very hard to make the exclusion) three 
of the four London Merchants, now known as the noble Friends of 
the Pilgrims; who were among the number of the Adventurers, and 
who also joined with the eight Undertakers of the Colony in the Compo- 
sition of 15/25 November 1626: Richard Andrews, John Beau- 
champ, and James Shirley; but it includes the Fourth of these, Timo- 
thy Hatherley, because he settled at Scituate about the year 1635.^ 

In 1898 the Rev. William E. GriflBs remarked: 

The affectionate term "Pilgrim Fathers," coined by later genera- 
tions, includes (1) the members of the Leyden church who voted for 
emigration, whether able or unable to go; (2) those who came from 
England and joined the church. The Mayflower passengers constituted 
the "Old Stock" of Bradford's meaning. Those who reached New 
Plymouth in the Mayflower, Anne, and Little James were called the 
"Old Comers," or "Forefathers." 2 

The terms Pilgrims and Pilgrim Fathers are of popular origin, and 
so necessarily are incapable of precise definition; and Arber's fine- 
spun distinctions are too fanciful and absurd for serious considera- 
tion. Suffice it to say that at the present time by the terms are gen- 

1 Story of the Pilgrim Fathers, pp. 355-356. 

2 The Pilgrims in their Three Homes, p. 161. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 365 

erally meant the passengers who came in the first four ships — the 
Mayflower in 1620^ the Fortune in 1621, and the Anne and the Little 
James in 1623. 

How the terms came to be appHed to them in particular has 
already been shown. It now remains to point out that the word Pil- 
grim was also applied to others, though Plymotheans are so accus- 
tomed to appropriate the word to their own ancestors as to resent 
its application to others. Yet it would be strange indeed if a word 
which had been in common use for four centuries before the sailing 
of the Majrflower should in the seventeenth century have been re- 
stricted to the men and women who came on that historic vessel. 
There was a ship named Peregrine in 1594,^ at least two others of the 
same name between 1603 and 1625,^ and one of the same name in 
Boston in 1659.^ In 1591 there was a ship named Pilgrim; ^ another 
in 1595; ^ another between 1603 and 1625; ^ and in a letter to Endi- 
cott dated London, May 28, 1629, the Governor and Company of the 
Massachusetts Bay wrote, "Wee send yo^ also herew*^ a pticuler of 
. . . what goods, cattle, or other pvisions, wee now send vpon these 
3 shipps, viz, the Majrflower, of Yarmouth, . . . the Power Sisters, 
of London, . . . the Pilgrim, of London." ^ Writing about 1651 
Edward Johnson said: 



1 Hakluyt's Voyages (1904), xi. 46. 

2 R. G. Marsden, English Ships in the Reign of James I, in Transactions of 
the Royal Historical Society (1905), New Series, xix. 328. 

3 Suffolk Deeds, iii. 245. 

* Hakluyt's Voyages (1904), vii. 44, 49. 
6 Purchas His Pilgrimes (1906), xvi. 18. 

* R. G. Marsden: of. note 2, above. 

^ Massachusetts Colony Records, i. 400, 404. Late in the eighteenth century 
there is mention of several ships of this name. "We hear the Pilgrim has taken 
a ship of upwards of 500 tons burthen, laden with dry goods" (Independent 
Chronicle, August 20, 1781, p. 2/3). On November 5, 1781, Franklin wrote: 
"The Admiralty there will not accept any English [prisoners] in exchange, but 
such as have been taken by Americans, and absolutely refuse to allow any of 
the paroles given to oiu- privateers by EngUsh prisoners discharged at sea, ex- 
cept in one instance, that of fifty-three men taken in the Siiake sloop, by the 
Pilgrim and Rambler, which was a case attended, as they say, with some par- 
ticular circumstances" (Works, 1888, vii. 306). "Last Monday," said the 
Boston Gazette of June 24, 1782, "the Prize Brig Neptune, of about 100 tons 
burthen, laden with Lumber, arrived in a safe Port. She was taken on her pas- 
sage from HaUfax to Antigua, by the Privateer Ship Pilgrim, Capt. Robinson, of 
Beverly" (p. 3/2). The sloop Pilgrim was among the port entries noted in the 



366 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec 

At this time those who were in place of civill Government, having 
some addition Pillars to under-prop the building, begun to thinke of a 
place of more safety in the eyes of Man, then the two f rontire Towns of 
Charles Toione, and Boston were for the habitation of such as the Lord 
had prepared to Governe this Pilgrim People. . . . 

It being a work (in the apprehension of all, whose capacity could reach 
to the great sums of money, the edifice of a mean Coledg would cost) 
past the reach of a poor Pilgrim people, who had expended the greatest 
part of their estates on a long voyage, . . . 

Thir year [1650] was the first noted year wherein any store of people 
died, the ayr and place being very healthy naturally, made this correc- 
tion of the Lord seem the greater, for the most that died were children, 
and that of an untoward disease here, though frequent in other places, 
the Lord now smiting many families with death in them, although there 
were not any families wherein more then one died, or very rare if it were 
otherwise, yet were these pilgrim people minded of the suddain forget- 
fulness of those worthies that died not long before, but more specially 
the little regard had to provide means to train their children up in the 
knowledg of learning, and improve such means as the Lord hath ap- 
pointed to leave their posterity an able Minister.^ 

In a letter to John Winthrop, Jr., dated October 30, 1660, the Rev. 
John Davenport said: "It was of Mantoweeze that the land was 
bought, whereby N. H. [New Haven Colony] bounds extended neare 
unto Cold Spring, beyond Pilgrims Harbour."^ Pilgrims' Harbor 



Massachusetts Centinel of December 8, 1784 (p. 3/3). And in the same paper of 
December 22, 1784 (p. 4/2), is this advertisement: 

To be S O L D, 

(7/ applied for immediately), 

THE good Sloop PILGRIM, British built, burthen about 90 tons, as she 
now lies at the south side of the Long- Wharf. She is a fast sailing vessel, 
well foimd, and exceedingly well calculated for the Southern Trade 

1 Wonder-working Providence (1654), pp. 60-61, 193, 216. The references 
in the first two paragraphs are to the church gathered at Cambridge in 1633 and 
to Harvard College. 

2 4 Massachusetts Historical Collections, vii. 518. There are allusions (1666- 
1687) to Pilgrims' Harbor in the Connecticut Colonial Records (ii. 53, 127, iii. 
235), and also (1660-1742) in C. H. S. Davis's History of Wallingford, etc. (1870), 
pp. 128-130. Referring to the regicides \Vlaalley and Goffe, on July 18, 1785, 
President Stiles wrote: "After the Restor* of Charles II. 1660 these holy Pil- 
grims came first to Boston. But being hunted there they fled to New Haven, 
... It being still dangerous here, they removed to & resided near a Rivulet in 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 367 

was "probably a hut where travellers between Hartford and New 
Haven found shelter." ^ In 1660 Henry Gardiner wrote: 

... if good Society and English Government were there, people 
would rather live there, than in Africk, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, or 
England; it transcends all the Baltick Seas, and affords all or any Com- 
modity they have, & more plenty of sundry sorts, and of more concern- 
ment to his Majesty, than if all the Baltic Seas were annexed to his 
Empire; as in a short Epitomy and Anotamy of those countries, from 
New-found-land to Cape Florida, with Mapps and Cards shall appear, 
with Collections of 55 years Pilgrimage.^ 

In 1694 Joshua Scottow said: "Thus far of the Light and white 
side of the Pillar, which attended us in this our Wilderness Pilgrim- 
age; the black and dark side remains." ^ In 1702 Cotton Mather, 
referring to Salem, wrote: 

An Entrance being thus made upon the Design of Planting a Country 
of English and Reformed Churches; they that were ' concerned for the 
Plantation, made their Application to Two Non-Conformists Ministers, 



Meriden 20 M. fr. N. Haven at a place knoTVTi to this day by the name of Pilgrims 
Harbor;" and on May 8, 1793: "To Hartfd, . . . Tradition at Meriden & about 
here Pilgrim's Harbor so named from two men stopt here till could make a 
float. Afterw"^® PubUc built a shed for Pilgrims caught here by high Freshes" 
(Literary Diary, iii. 170, 494). In the next year (1794) Stiles pubhshed his 
History of Three of the Judges of King Charles I, and then, after stating that 
Whalley and Goffe arrived at Boston on July 27, 1660, and at New Haven on 
March 7, 1661, said: "On the 13th of October, 1664, they left Milford, and pro- 
ceeded in this excursion. I shall suppose that the first night they came over to 
New-Haven to their friend Jones, though of this there is no tradition, as there is 
of their making a lodgment at Pilgrims Harbor, so called from them, being 
twenty miles from New-Haven, at a place since called Meriden, half-way between 
New-Haven and Hartford. . . . But of this I find no tradition, saving only, 
that in their rout to Hadley they made one station at Pilgrims Harbor" (pp. 22, 
44, 108). As the letter quoted in the text was written four years before the 
regicides are alleged to have taken shelter at Pilgrims' Harbor, obviously Stiles's 
theory that it received its name from that fact is erroneous. "If the regicides 
ever made use of it," says E. E. Atwater, "it was after this letter was written. 
It was not, as President Stiles suggests, called Pilgrims' Harbor because the 
regicides lodged in it" (History of the Colony of New Haven, 1881, p. 447 note). 
I am indebted to our associate Professor Franldin B. Dexter for the references 
to Atwater, to Davis, and to StUes's History. 

1 E. E. Atwater, History of the Colony of New Haven, p. 447 note. 

2 New England's Vindication (Gorges Society, 1884), p. 37. 
» Narrative, 4 Massachusetts Historical Collections, iv, 297. 



368 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

that they would go over to serve the Cause of God and of Religion in the 
beginning of those Churches. The one of these was Mr. Higginson, . . . 
the other was Mr. Skelton, . . . These Ministers came over to Salem, 
in the Summer of the Year 1629. . . . 'Tis true, there were two other 
Clergy-Men, who came over about the same time; nevertheless, . . . 
we will proceed with our Story; which is now to tell us, That the Pas- 
sage of these our Pilgrims was attended with many Smiles of Hea\^en 
upon them.^ 



^ Magnalia, bk. i. ch. iv. § 4, pp. 16-17. In his Discourse delivered at Plym- 
outh in 1828, the Rev. Samuel Green said: 

Sons of the Pilgrims, look at these beacons, as they rise aroimd you, and 
beware of forsaking the God of your fathers. Their graves are before you. Thi.s 
occasion rolls back the light of their doctrines, and the light of their example. 
"It is reported of the Scythians," says Cotton Mather, "that in battles, when 
they came to stand upon the graves of their dead fathers, they would stand there 
immoveable till they died on the spot: and, thought I, why may not such a 
method now engage the children of the Pilgrims, to stand fast in their faith, 
and their order, and in the power of godliness? I will show them the graves of 
their dead fathers; and if any of them do retreat unto the errors of another 
Gospel, they shall undergo the irresistible rebukes of their progenitors, here 
brought from the dead for their admonition" (pp. 31-32). 

No reference for this quotation is given. It is conceivable that Mather 
might have used the expression "children of the Pilgrims," and if so it would 
be interesting to know whether in reference to the Plymouth or to the Massa- 
chusetts settlers. It turns out, however, that Mr. Green's memory was at fault. 
On the few occasions when Mather quoted Paradise Lost, he did so inaccurately, 
once changing Milton's "Chariot and charioteer" to "Salvage and Sagamore." 
In the present instance the tables were turned against Mather, for what he 
actually wrote is as follows: 

It is reported of the Scythians, who were, doubtless, the Ancestors of the 
Indians first inhabiting these Regions, that in Battels, when they came to stand 
upon the Graves of their dead Fathers, they would there stand immovable, 'till they 
dy'd upon the spot: And, thought I, why may not such a Method now effectually 
engage the English in these Regions, to stand fast in their Faith and their Order, 
and in the Power of Godliness? I'll shew them, the Graves of their dead Fathers; 
and if any of them do retreat imto a Contempt or Neglect of Learning, or unto 
the Errors of another Gospel, or unto the Superstitions of Will-Worship, or unto 
a worldly, a selfish, a little Conversation, they shall undergo the irresistible Re- 
bukes of their Progenitors, here fetch'd from the dead, for their Admonition; 
and I'll therewithal advertise my New-Englanders, that if a Grand-child of a 
Moses becomes an Idolater, he shall, [as the Jews remark upon Judg. 18. 30.] be 
destroy'd, as if not a Moses, but a Manasseh, had been his Father. Besides, 
Plus Vivitur Exemplis quam Prceceptis! (Magnalia, 1702, bk. iii. pt. i., To the 
Reader, § 2, p. 11.) 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 369 

In 1786 David Humphreys, in his "Poem, On the Happiness of 
America; Addressed to the Citizens of the United States," wrote: 

Here equal fortunes, ease, the ground their own, 
Augment their niunbers with increase unknown — 
Here hamlets grow — here Europe's pilgrims come 
From vassall'd woes to find a quiet home.^ 

The following extract is taken from the Independent Chronicle 
of January 6, 1794: 

CONCORD, December 26, 1793. 

At the Anniversary Meeting of the Pilgrim Society in Concord, on 
the 25th instant, at Lieut. John Richardson's* for the purpose of com- 
memorating the Divine Nativity; after transacting the necessary busi- 
ness of the Society, they spent the evening in grateful and Christian 
conviviality, and most cordially drank the following pertinent Toasts 
on the occasion, viz. 

First. The Birth-Day of our SAVIOUR. 

Second. The Pilgrims in Concord. 

Third. The Day. — While we feast as strangers and brethren, let us 
rejoice as Christians. 

Fourth. May the light of Reason and Philosophy, banish super- 
stition. 

Fifth. May we never want a Washington, nor a Washington a 
grateful People. 

Sixth. May the basis of our freedom be virtue, and lasting as time. 

Seventh. May those, who are struggling for Freedom and Equahty, 
ever enjoy them. 

Eighth. May we ever rejoice in each others freedom and prosperity. 

Ninth. Strangers, wheresoever they are. 

After which the Members retired to their respective places of abode, 
in great good order and filled with many good impressions. 

* A Society formed in Concord, some years since by a number of young Men, 
who emigrated from various towns, and settled in Concord, and replenished from 
time to time, with -persons only of that description. — The Society now consists of 
about 20 members.^ 



1 Boston Magazine, 1786, iii. 397. 

* P. 4/1. Presumably it was at Concord, Massachusetts, that this Pilgrim 
Society existed; but no other allusion to it has been found. John Richardson 
was born at Watertown July 11, 1758; went to Concord in 1778, opened au 
inn tliere in 1789, but moved away in 1804; became a member of the Social 



370 THE COLONL\L SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Between 1785 and 1794, the Rev. Ezra Stiles often spoke of the 
regicides who had taken refuge in New England as Pilgrims.^ 

It is possible that when Mather alluded to Iligginson and Skelton 
as "these our Pilgrims," he may have been influenced by the passage 
in Bradford's History, known to him through IVIorton; but such 
could not have been the case with the other writers just quoted. It 
is interesting to find the early Massachusetts settlers called a Pilgrim 
people or Pilgrims a century and a half before the word was specifi- 
cally applied to the Plymouth settlers, and a Pilgrim Society at Con- 
cord thirty years before a similarly-named society was formed at 
Plymouth. 



Circle in 1782 ; on March 7, 1790, was married to Anna Bemis of Watertown, 
who died July 14, 1796 ; on December 29, 1801, was married to Harmah Bemis 
of Watertown, a sister of his first wife ; had several children by both wives ; 
and died at Newton May 3, 1837. (Memoirs of the Social Circle in Concord, 
i. 52, 159, 163, ii. p. ix ; Concord Registers, pp. 323, 387 ; Watertown Records, 
iii. 140, 178, 230, iv, 159 ; H. Bond, Genealogies of Watertown, pp. 25, 412 ; 
Newton Vital Records, p. 495.) The early history of the Social Circle in .Con- 
cord is somewhat obscure, but apparently there was no connection between it 
and the Pilgrim Society. In "A Topographical Description of the Town of 
Concord, August 2Gth, 1792. Presented by Mr. WiUiam Jones, student of 
Harvard College," it is stated that "An association is established called the 
Social Club, who meet once a week at each other's houses. The club is 
founded upon principles, and governed by rules, that are admirably promotive 
of the social affections and useful improvements " (1 Massachusetts Historical 
Collections, i. 239). 

1 See p. 366 note 2, above. This use of the word 'pilgrim, without reference 
to the Pilgrims of Plymouth, is of course occasionally met with after 1798. Thus 
a poem printed in the Independent Chronicle of January 21, 1799 (p. 4/1), 
began as follows: 

Wachusett 's true can boast of many trees 
Who patriot like, display their niches: 
But the pilgrim as he 's passing, sees 
Contemptuous thorns and ugly bushes. 

A novel entitled "Love's Pilgrimage; A Story founded on facts" was adver- 
tised in the Columbian Centinel of January 8, 1800 (p. 4/1); but whether English 
or American, I do not know. The following lines occm- in a political skit pub- 
lished in 1820 entitled "The Pilgrims of Hope: An Oratorio For the Clintonian 
celebration of the New Year" (p. 19): 

See from the shores of subjugated France, 
G*N*T and Adancourt, lead up the dance 
Of foreign Pilgrims, who, in devious maze, 
Like Shaking Quakers, rigadoon their praise. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 371 

"VMierever the terms Pilgrims and Pilgrim Fathers are found after 
1798, of course their use is due to the Pilgrims of Plymouth.^ In 1830 
John F. Watson published his " Annals of Philadelphia, being a Col- 
lection of Memoirs, Anecdotes, & Incidents of the City and its In- 
habitants from the Days of the Pilgrim Founders." In 1831 John 
V. L. McMahon wrote: 

Leonard Calvert . . . purchased the town from the natives, and 
estabhshed his colony within it by their consent. In pursuance of his 
agreement with the natives, the colony was disembarked at the town of 
Yaocomoco, on the 27th of March, 1634, and took possession of it by 
the name of St. Mary's. Then and thus landed the Pilgrims of Maryland, 
and then and thus were laid the foundations of the old city of St. Mary's, 
and of our present State. . . . The close of the second century since that 
event, is now near at hand; and why should not the return of the day, 
which commemorates the landing of these pilgrims, be the occasion of a 
jubilee to us? . . . The landing of the Pilgrims of New England, has been 
the burden of many a story, and the theme of many an oration. . . . 
Yet whilst we would avoid all invidious contrasts, and forget the stern 
spirit of the Puritan, which so frequently mistook religious intolerance 
for holy zeal ; we can turn with exultation to the Pilgrims of Maryland, 
as the founders of religious liberty in the new world.^ 

"Thus much," remarked William L. Stone in 1842, "for the public 
career of this great Indian benefactor to the Pilgrim Fathers of Con- 



1 The following appeared in the Columbian Centinel of January 20, 1802 

(p. 4/1): 

MR. RUSSELL. 

SIR — THE following lines were addressed to our late excellent fellow-citizen, 
G. R. MINOT, Esquire, while he was composing the 1st Volume of his History of 
Massachusetts, by a sincere admirer of his character — ANALASKI. 

Then follows a poem in sijcteen stanzas, the last reading: 

Yes, ere the fabled Tale is wrought. 

While yet the features are imprest. 
Shall thy discriminating thought, 

Pourtray the Pilgrims of tlie West. 

The first volimie of Minot's Continuation of the History of the Province of 
Massachusetts Bay bears on its title-page the date "Feb. 1798." If the above 
lines were written before that date, then their author probably was not influ- 
enced by the Plymouth and Boston celebrations. 

2 Historical View of the Government of Maryland, i. 195, 197, 198 note. 



• 



372 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHTSETTS [Dec. 

necticut." ^ "It was a beautiful thought," declared Joseph R. 
Chandler in 1855, "and does honor to those who entertained it and 
gave it utterance, and finally put it into practice, to make a public 
celebration of the 'Landing of the Pilgrims of Maryland;' " and in 
the oration he delivered on the occasion, he alluded to " the Pilgrim 
Fathers of St. Mary's," "the Pilgrims of St. Mary's county," "the 
Pilgrim Fathers of Maryland," and "the Pilgrims of St. Mary's 
city." 2 "The Pilgruns of Plymouth," wrote Whittier m 1872, 
"have not lacked historian and poet, . . . The Quaker pilgrims of 
Pennsylvania, seeking the same objects by different means, have not 
been equally fortunate; " and so he composed his poem "The Penn- 
sylvania Pilgrim," dealing with Francis Daniel Pastorius.' 

The Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Puritans of Massachusetts 

We now reach the last phase of our subject — namely, the dis- 
tinction between the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony and the 
Puritans of the Massachusetts Colony. Were the passengers in the 
"IMayflower Puritans in religion? During the past half-century this 



^ Uncas and Miantonomoh, p. 143. 

* "Civic and Religious Equality. An Oration delivered at the fourth com- 
memoration of the Pilgrims of Maryland, celebrated May 15, 1S55. Under the 
auspices of the Philodemic Society of Georgetown College. . . . To which is 
prefixed a notice of the proceedings at the Celebration. Philadelphia: . . , 
1855," pp. 5, 23, 30, 42, 45, 53, 54. Mr. Chandler's "Address ... at the cele-' 
bration of the Landing of the Pilgrims of Maryland, at the site of St. Mary's 
City, May 15th, 1855," was also printed at Baltimore. The same use of the 
terms will be found in New England Historical and Genealogical Register (1877), 
xxxi. 224; J. W. Thomas, Chronicles of Colonial Maryland (1900), p. 19; Rev. 
W. T. Russell, Maryland; the Land of Sanctuary (1907), pp. 76-77, 84, 197 note. 

3 Complete Poetical Works (Cambridge edition, 1894), pp. 103-112, 519-520. 
The term is also occasionally used in a figiuative sense. Thus on October 18, 
1906, Life said: "The early efforts of Josh Billings and Artemus Ward, the 
Pilgrim Fathers of Phonetics, to introduce their Sound System of Spelling were 
not taken seriously; these fanatics of funetics were laughed at, and in tune spell- 
ing as a branch of humor died out" (xlviii. 431). At the Boston celebration in 
1804 was sung a song called New-England, " written for the occasion, (by a 
gentleman in a neighbouring State)," which contained the following lines 
(Columbian Centinel, December 26, 1804, p. 4/1) : 

From Discord, oppression, injustice and strife, 

Here FREEDOM, the PILGRIM a refuge shall find, 

A covert secure from the tempest of life 

The Wonder, Example, and Pride of Mankind. 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRBI FATHERS 373 

question has been hotly contested, and admirable authority can be 
cited in both the affirmative and the negative. The problem is too 
complex for treatment here, and its discussion is reserved for a future 
occasion. Moreover, for our present purpose it is immaterial whether 
the Mayflower passengers were or were not, properly speaking, Puri- 
tans. It will be sufficient to show what views have been held on this 
subject since 1769. 

In 1776 the Rev. Sylvanus Conant said: "In these and the like 
ways, God as it were searched out and prepared a place in this wil- 
derness for the flight of his little persecuted flock. It must be noticed 
that the civil and ecclesiastical powers of England at this time, were 
against them, on account of their puritan principles."^ "Hence 
they," remarked the Rev. Samuel West in 1777, referring to the 
enemies of "our fathers," "called them, Fanaticks, Schismaticks, 
and, in scorn, Puritans; and they doubtless thought that God would 
be glorified by their thus cruelly persecuting their brethren." ^ In 
1794 Belknap stated that in 1620 "A Company of ENGLISH PURI- 
TANS, who had resided twelve years in Holland, began a colony in 
New England, which they called New Plymouth." ' "Two Centuries 
are this day completed," said the Rev. John Chester in 1820, "since 
the Puritan Pilgrims of New England landed on the soil of the new 
'world;"* and in the same year the Rev. Daniel Huntington remarked, 



^ Anniversary Sermon (1777), pp. 14-15. 

2 Anniversary Sermon (1778), p. 38. 

3 American Biography, i. 46: cf. ii. 151. The following is taken from the 
Massachusetts Magazine for May, 1794: 

Account of an Ancient and Curious Staff. 

DEACON Joseph White, of Yarmouth, in the Coimty of Barnstable, great 
grandson of Peregrine,* has in his possession a Staff, which is valuable for 
its great antiquity. It had conveyance, agreeably to well authenticated tradi- 
tion, in the first ship which came to New England in 1620. When those vener- 
able puritanic sages landed at PljTnouth, one of their company walked with, 
this Staflf. It is three feet in length; and is a striking instance of that noble 
simpUcity, which so eminently dignified the character of those piimitive, and 
justly celebrated fathers of this country. 

* Peregrine White was the first born of EngUsh parents in New England 
(vi. 288). 

* Sermon (1820), p. 6. The term "Puritan Pilgrims" occurs again on p. 7 
of this Sermon, and is also employed by the following ^Titers: 1835, P. Sprague, 
Speech (1836), pp. 5, 32; 1849, D. Wilson, in History of the Puritans in England, 



374 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

"Let it ever be remembered with admiration and gratitude, that a 
Church of English Puritans began the settlement of New England." ^ 
"A company of these Puritans," WTote the Rev. Samuel Green in 
1828, "among whom were the first of the New England pilgrims, in 
IGIO, bade adieu to their native land and settled in Leyden." - 
"Where were the Pilgrims," asked Rufus Choate in 1843, "while in 
this furnace of affliction? Who saw and cared for them? A hundred 
persons, understood to be Lollards, or Precisians, or Puritans, or 
Brownists, had sailed away some three thousand miles, to arrive on a 
winter's coast, in order to be where they could hear a man preach 
without a surplice!"^ In the same year Webster spoke of "the 
Puritans who landed upon the Rock of Plj^mouth." ^ "But with all 
their errors," declared Lewis Cass in 1848, "history has left on record 
no name in all the annals of religious controversy, brighter or nobler 
than that of the Pilgrim Puritans, who raised an altar in the western 
wilderness, and died around it." ^ In 1851 Joseph Banvard spoke of 
"the forty-one Puritan fathers who signed the memorable compact 
in the cabin of the Mayflowei^" ^ In 1855 the Rev. Joseph B. Felt 
wrote: 

The departure of Columbus for the discovery of a new world, and for 
opening new sources of commerce, wealth, and knowledge, was an 
enterprise worthy of the noblest mind; but the undertaking of the 
Leyden Puritans to found a commonwealth suited to cherish and expand 
the blessings of civil and religious liberty is one of brighter, sublimer 
ends.'^ 

"But of the Congregationalism of the Puritans," said our late asso- 
ciate the Rev. C. Carroll Everett in 1865, "as represented by the 



and the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 480; 1851, J. Banvard, Plymouth and the Pilgrims, 
pp. 25, 33; 1885, G. W. Curtis, Oration, in New England Society Orations, ii. 
417-418. 

1 Discourse (1821), p. 23. 

2 Discourse (1829), p. 12: cf. pp. 28, 32 note. 

^ The Age of the Pilgrims the heroic period of our History, in New England 
Society Orations (1901), i. 346: cf. i. 332, 338. 

« Niles' Register (1844), Ixv. 295; New England Society Orations, i. 361, 366. 

^ Address delivered before the New England Society of Michigan (1849), 
p. 33. The term "Pilgrim Puritans" was also employed in 1849 by the Rev. 
N. Cleaveland in his Address (1850), p. 22. 

* PljTQOuth and the Pilgrims, p. 273. 

^ Ecclesiastical History of New England, i. 38. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 375 

Pilgrim Fathers, during the first years of their residence in America, 
our Hberal churches are the true and only representatives." ^ 

Not only does writer after writer,^ from 17G9 to about 1860, assert 
that the early Plymouth settlers were Puritans, but during that 
period apparently no other view was taken. And the same view is 

1 Sermon (1865), p. 8. 

2 Among the writers who maintain that the early Plymouth settlers were 
Puritans are the following: 1801, Rev. J. Allyn, Sermon (1802), pp. 9-10; 1803, 
Rev. J. Strong, Sermon (1804), p. 5; 1804, Rev. J. Morse and Rev. E. Parish, 
Compendious History of New England, pp. 24, 36; 1806, Rev. A. Holmes, Dis- 
course, pp. 9, 12, 19-20; 1809, Rev. A. Abbot, Discourse (1810), pp. 7, 8; 1815, 
Rev. J. Flint, Discourse (1816), p. 23; 1820, Rev. A. Holmes, Two Discourses 
(1821), p. 16; 1820, Rev. H. Humphrey, The character and sufferings of the Pil- 
grims (1821), pp. 7, 8, 10; 1820, Rev. G. Spring, Tribute to New England, in 
New England Society Orations, i. 14, 15 note; 1820, Rev. J. Woodbridge, The 
Jubilee of New England (1821), pp. 3, 4; 1829, S. L. Knapp, Address, in New 
England Society Orations, i. 150; 1829, W. Sullivan, Discourse (1830), p. 12; 
1830, Rev. B. B. Wisner, Influence of Religion on Liberty (1831), pp. 24, 25; 
1831,- Rev. J. Codman, Faith of the PUgrims (1832), pp. 7, 21; 1835, J. B. 
Whitridge, Oration (1836), p. 15; 1835, A. Bradford, History of Massachusetts, 
pp. 15, 16; 1836, Rev. J. Hawes, Tribute to the Memory of the Pilgrims (second 
edition), p. 57; 1842, Rev. G. B. Cheever, Elements of National Greatness, in 
New England Society Orations, i. 292, 293; 1844, G. P. Marsh, Address, in New 
England Society Orations, i. 387 and note; 1845, Rev. J. Dyer, Discourse (1846), 
p. 3; 1845, Rev. O. W. B. Peabody, Discourse (1846), p. 8; 1845, J. R. Chandler, 
The Pilgrims of the Rock (1846), p. 11; 1846, Rev. M. Hopkins, Sermon (1847), 
pp. 5, 31; 1846, Rev. M. A. H. Niles, Distinctive Characteristics of the Pil- 
grims, p. 3; 1846, C. W. Upham, The Spirit of the Day and its Lessons, in New 
England Society Orations, i. 433; 1847, W. H. DiUingham, Oration (1847), pp. 

13, 22, 28; 1850, Rev. W. DeL. Love, Obedience in Rulers (1851), pp. 11, 12, 
16; 1851, G. S. Hillard, The Past and the Future, in New England Society 
Orations, ii. 141, 145-146, 149; 1851, A. C. Spooner, Speech, pp. 3, 6; 1852, 
Rev. R. Ashton, 4 Massachusetts Historical Collections, i. 112; 1852, Rev. T. 
D. Hunt, Address (1853), p. 9; 1853, Rev. H. Brown, The Pilgrim Fathers, pp. 

14, 46; 1853, Rev. T. Raffles, Lecture on the Pflgrim Fathers, p. 8; 1853, R. 
Yeadon, Speech, p. 2; 1854, W. M. Evarts, Heritage of the Pflgrims, in New 
England Society Orations, ii. 241, 245, 250; 1854, J. W. Thornton, The Landing 
at Cape Anne, p. 24; 1855, O. W. Holmes, Oration, in New England Society 
Orations, ii. 280; 1855, W. H. Seward, Oration (1856), pp. 7, 8; 1856, Rev. J. 
A. Copp, The Old Ways (1857), p. 11; 1856, Rev. J. Cordner, Vision of the 
Pilgrim Fathers (1857), p. 14; 1857, Rev. A. D. Smith, The Puritan Character 
(1858), pp. 7, 23; 1857, Rev. R. S. Storrs, The Puritan Scheme of National 
Growth, in New England Society Orations, ii. 334; 1859, Rev. J. Hawes, One 
Soweth and another Reapeth, pp. 3, 6, 7, 9, 18, 19; 1867, Rev. S. G. Bucking- 
ham, Memorial of the Pilgrim Fathers, p. 5; 1883, J. T. Morse, Jr., Thomas 
Jefferson, p. 3; 1896, Rev. C. H. Pope, in New England Historical and Genea- 
logical Register, 1. 234; 1907, Rev. F. A. Noble, The Pilgrims, p. 3. 



376 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

still held by many eminent scholars. But in 18G6 Benjamin Scott 
of London advanced an opposite view. Before quoting ]\Ir. Scott, 
it is pertinent to point out that previous writers, though regard- 
ing the early Plymouth settlers as Puritans, were yet alive to the 
fact that those early settlers were Separatists, while the early set- 
tlers at Salem and Boston still regarded themselves as members of the 
Church of England.^ Thus in 1847 William H. Dillingham, speak- 
ing of the Mayflower passengers, said, "A step in advance of their 
brother Puritans, had entitled them to the designation of Separa- 
tists." ^ In 1851 the Rev. Alvan Lamson wrote: "The Pilgrims, or 
Plymouth Colony, were Separatists; the Massachusetts Colony was 
mostly composed of Puritans, who had not before left the national 
church."^ "The Pilgrims of Plymouth," declared Charles Sumner 
in 1853, "were among the earliest of the Separatists." ^ 

But while pointing out that the early Plymouth settlers were 
Separatists, the writers just quoted regarded them as also Puritans. 
In 1857 the Rev. Edmund H. Sears wrote: 

We will not take our final leave of the good men whose labors and 
sacrifices we have been reviewing, without a filial tribute to their \Tlr- 
tues. This we do, because, with all the eulogy bestowed upon them by 
popular historians and orators, we doubt if their principles are j'et fully 
understood. They are constantly confounded with the Massachusetts 
Puritans, whereas they were entirely different in character, temper, 
principles, and policy.^ 

1 Of course, this difference had been remarked on much earlier. Thus about 
1680 Hubbard spoke of "some religious and well affected persons, that were 
lately [about 1626] removed out of New Plymouth out of dislike of their princi- 
ples of rigid separation" (History of New England, p. 106). In 1813 Judge 
Da\'is wrote: "The first planters of Massachusetts, though puritans, had not, 
like Mr. Robinson's society, separated from the Church of England before their 
arrival in this country. As soon as they were at liberty to pursue, unimpeded, 
their own ideas of ecclesiastical order, they adopted, with httle variation, the 
practice of the Plymouth settlers" discourse, 1814, p. 9). In 1908 Mr. Andrew 
McF. Davis called attention to the open letter which on April 7, 1630, Win- 
throp and others addressed " to the rest of their brethren in and of the Church 
of England," and to what Winthrop said about the laying of hands on the 
Rev. John Wilson (Publications, xii. 11, 12). 

2 Oration (1847), p. 22. 

» Discourse (1852), p. 16. 

* A Finger-Point from Plymouth Rock, p. 7. 

* Pictures of the Olden Time, as shown in the fortunes of a Family of the 
Pilgrims, p. 324. "It would be difficult to say," the author well remarks, "to 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 377 

Mr. Sears then proceeded to draw a contrast which presents the 
Massachusetts Puritans in a very unenviable light. In 1860 the 
Rev. John Waddington remarked that " Few, comparatively, clearly 
understand the distinction between the Puritans, and the Separatists 
who gave rise to the Pilgrim fathers." ^ We are thus brought to the 
statement made by Benjamin Scott in 1866: 

I propose first to show that the Pilgrim Fathers of Plymouth Colony 
— the only persons to whom that term has been historically applied, the 
first successful Anglo-Saxon colonists of America, and the real founders 
of New England — were not Puritans, as is often carelessly and erro- 
neously reported, but Separatists. 

The difference between the early Puritans and the Separatists was not 
one of name merely, . . , but wide, fundamental and irreconcilable. 
... It has been asked, "Did the Pilgrim Fathers repudiate the term 
Puritan as applied to themselves?" I reply they were not and could not, 
at that day, have been afforded the opportunity of repudiation; no such 
confusion of terms could then have arisen.^ Their enemies were too vigi- 
lant and unrelenting, and they and their predecessors were too truthful 
to permit of their shielding themselves under the term of Puritan.^ 



what class of literature the following work properly belongs. It is neither ro- 
mance nor pure history" (p. v). Some will be disposed to see more romance 
than history in the work. 

1 Track of the Hidden Church; or, the Springs of the Pilgrim Movement 
(1883), p. 38. 

- Ob\iously, confusion could not have arisen between two terms one of 
which did not come into existence until 1798. J. A. Goodwin asserted that 
" The Pilgrim Fathers, the founders of our Pljonouth, the pioneer Colony of 
New England, were not Puritans, They na^er were called by that name, either 
by themselves or their contemporaries " (Pilgrim Repubhc, 1888, p. 1). Even 
if the Pilgrims did not call themselves by the name of Puritans, that fact 
would have no significance, since the v/ord Puritan — hke Quaker, Whig, Tory, 
and a host of other terms — was originally one of reproach, and so might have 
been objected to on that ground. Indeed, Bradford twice expresses his dislike 
to the word for that reason. " And to cast contempte the more upon the 
sincere servants of God," he says in one place, " they opprobriously and most 
injuriously, gave unto, and imposed upon them, that name of Pm-itans ; which 
[it] is said the Novatians (out of prid) did assume and take unto themselves " 
(History of PljTuouth, ed. Ford, i. 12-13). And in another place he says: 
" The name of Brownists is but a nickname, as Puritan and Huguenot, &c., 
and therefore they do not amiss to decline the odium of it in what they 
may " (Dialogue, in Young's Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers, 1841, pp. 416- 
417). 

' The Pilgrim Fathers neither Puritans nor Persecutors (1869), pp. 5-6. 



378 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

Mr. Scott's lecture was widely read in this country and its main 
contention, that the early Plymouth settlers were not Puritans, though 
denied by some,^ was accepted by others. "Before tracing the his- 
tory of this separation," said the Rev. Henry M. Goodwin in 1870, 
"let me speak of the difference between the Puritans and the Pil- 
grims, who are often confounded by many persons. This difference 
was not one of name merely, but wide and fundamental. . . . The 
Pilgrim Fathers who founded the Plymouth Colony, and who planted 
and gave type to our institutions, were not Puritans, but Separa- 
tists, men of larger and freer and more catholic spirit, than the Puri- 
tans who came after, and settled in Salem and Boston." ^ In the 
same year the Rev. Henry M. Dexter is reported to have said : 

The speaker did not know if the difference between the Puritans of 
Boston and the Plymouth Pilgrims was understood by many, but it 
was important in celebrating the present occasion not to forget this 
difference. Such men as the Pilgrims of Plymouth were almoSt impos- 
sible to understand. They started in the north of England, — men with 
one idea, — and that idea was, that they must do right whatever it 
cost them. They felt that the Anglican church was not right according 
to the Bible, and that nothing like it could be right. The Puritans 
started with the same idea, but they did not carry it out. They saw the 
Anglican church was unscriptural, and said that they must avoid being 
under the yoke, but they stayed there a long time, and when they came 
here they believed they were going to still live in vital union with the 
Church of England. The Pilgrims, feeling they could not do right in 
England, determined to leave, and went to Holland, but finding there 
that they were unfortunate in opportunities for the education of their 
children, they added the idea that was the key note to their action — 
the missionary idea. This idea was new as they wrought it out; it did 
not appear in the history of Christianity, and the form in which the 
American Board of Foreign Missions were now working it out. The 
Pilgrims' idea was to come over and worship God in this new country, 
in their own way, among savages whom they might convert.' 

^ J. W. Dean, in New England Historical and Genealogical Register (1871), 
XXV. 301-303. 

2 The Pilgrim Fathers (Rockford, Illinois), pp. 7, 8. In a note on p. 8 Scott's 
lecture is referred to. 

* "Pilgrim Jubilee. Celebration in Providence, R. I., of the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of Congregationalism in this country, October 11th, 
1870," pp. 34-35. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 379 

It was in 1870 also that Robert C. Winthrop spoke of the Rev. 
Joseph Hunter as having "turned his attention to the Pilgrims of 
Plymouth, and to the Puritans of Massachusetts, for the latest and 
best themes of his unwearied investigations;" ^ and went on to say: 

An Episcopalian myself, by election as well as education, and warmly 
attached to the forms and the faith in which I was brought up; ... I 
yet rejoice, as heartily as any Congregationalist who listens to me, that 
our Pilgrim Fathers were Separatists. I rejoice, too, that the Puritan 
Fathers of Massachusetts, who followed them to these shores ten years 
afterwards, . . . were, if not technically and professedly, yet to all 
intents and purposes, Separatists, also; — Semi-Separatists at least, 
as Robinson himself was called when he wrote and published that book 
which so offended the Brownists. ... I would not seem too harsh 
towards those old prelates of the English Church, by whom Pilgrims or 
Puritans were persecuted.^ 

In 1874 the Rev. Leonard Bacon wrote: 

Those who read the story will understand, I trust — what many are 
ignorant of, and what some historians have not sufficiently explained — 
the difference between "our Pilgrim Fathers" and "our Puritan Fathers." 
In the old world on the other side of the ocean the Puritan was a Nation- 
alist, believing that a Christian nation is a Christian church, and de- 
manding that the Church of England should be thoroughly reformed; 
while the Pilgrim was a Separatist, not only from the Anglican Prayer- 
book and Queen Elizabeth's episcopacy, but from all national churches. 
Between them there was sharp contention — a controversy quite as 
earnest and almost as bitter as that which they both had with the 
ecclesiastico-political power that oppressed them both, fining and im- 
prisoning the Puritan, and visiting upon the Separatist the added penal- 
ties of exile and the gallows. The Pilgrim wanted liberty for himself 
and his wife and little ones, and for his brethren, to walk with God in 
a Christian life as the rules and motives of such a life were revealed to 
him from God's Word. For that he went into exile; for that he crossed 



1 It is to be noted that Hunter himself made no such distinction between the 
Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Puritans of Massachusetts. "Those who followed 
Governor Winthrop," he wrote in 1847, "from his own country may not improp- 
erly be designated the Second Puritan Emigration, — the First being formed of 
those who had been of Mr. Robinson's church, and founded Plymouth, and the 
emigrants from Dorchester" (3 Massachusetts Historical Collections, x. 171). 

2 Oration (1871), pp. 10, 42-43, 45. 



380 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec 

the ocean; for that he made his home in a wilderness. The Puritan's 
idea was not liberty, but right government in church and state — such 
government as should not only permit him, but also compel other men 
to walk in the right way.^ 

In 1876 John A. Goodwin remarked: 

The most common error is to speak of the Pilgrims as Puritans. 
Yet they never called themselves Puritans and v/ere never known as 
such by their contemporaries. Puritan divines preached against them 
while they were in England; Puritan tractarians assailed them while 
they halted in Holland, and Puritan hostility nearly destroyed their 
settlement at Plymouth. In that day the term Puritan had a definite 
meaning, and it can with no propriety be applied to the Pilgrim Fathers. 
. . . Whatever reforms the Puritan desired, he sought to make within 
the church. Separation he denounced as schism — a deadly sin. Thus 
the Puritans were Episcopalians — the low-church wing of their 
day.2 

In 1878 the Rev. Increase N. Tarbox \\Tote: 

Let us make another distinction. The people of Plymouth were 
called Pilgrims, and when we speak of the Pilgrim Fathers, we have 
special reference to them. The people that settled Salem and Boston 
and the surrounding towns were known as Puritans, and when we speak 
of the Puritan Fathers, in our early history, if we use and understand 
historical language correctly, we shall have primary reference to these 
dwellers in Massachusetts Bay. The little companies that soon after 
went out to begin the settlements at Hartford and New Haven, came 
from the same general class in English society. Indeed, they passed 
through the gateway of the Bay, to go and found those Connecticut 
colonies. They were also Puritans. Many persons use these terms 
indiscriminately, and speak of Pilgrims or Puritans as meaning the 
same thing. But this is only a confused use of language. Let us ever 
bear in mind that by the name of Pilgrim Fathers, we designate particu- 
larly the men of Plymouth, while the Puritan Fathers are the men of 
the Massachusetts Bay and the colonies that grew directly out of 
that.3 



1 Genesis of the New England Churches, pp. ix-x. 

2 The Pilgrim Fathers (1877), pp. 15, 16. See p. 377 note 2 above. 

^ "The Pilgrims and Puritans: or, Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay," 
in Collections of the Old Colony Historical Society (1879), No. 1, p. 28. Tarbox 
quotes Scott's lecture at length. 



1914] THE TEEM PILGRIM FATHERS 381 

In 1886 William Everett said : 

Brethren, how far are we to carry the parallel? We are proud of our 
descent from the Pilgrims and our inheritance of that birthright they 
won so hard. We had rather claim kindred with them than with the 
heroes of the war for the Union and the struggle for Independence, 
wdth the signers of the Constitution and the Declaration. We will 
not own the name of Puritan for our fathers, though that name would 
linlc them with Conant and Endicott, with Winthrop and Cotton, with 
the apostle Eliot and the martyr Vane.^ 

And in 1895 Senator George F. Hoar wrote: 

The commonwealths which were united in 1692 and became the 
Province of Massachusetts Bay are still blended in the popular con- 
ception. Their founders are supposed to have the same general char- 
acteristics, and are known to the rest of the world by the common title 
of New England Puritans. I suppose this belief prevails even in New 
England, except to a small circle of scholars and descendants of the 
Pilgrims who still dwell in the Old Colony, and who have studied per- 
sonally the history of their ancestors. Many of our historians have 
treated the two with little distinction, except that the suffering of the 
Pilgrim, the dangerous and romantic voyage of the Mayflower, the story 
of the landing in December and the hardship of the first winter have 
made, of course, a series of pictures of their own. Even Mr. Webster, 
after narrating as could have been done by no other chronicler who 
ever lived, these picturesque incidents, proceeds in his oration of 1820 
to discuss the principles which lay at the foundation of the Puritan State, 
and which were, in the main, common to both communities. 

Yet the dwellers of Plymouth know well the difference between the 
Pilgrim that landed here and the Puritan that settled in Salem and 
Boston. . . . 

Massachusetts has educated the foreigner. She is making an Ameri- 
can of him. She is surely, and not very slowly, when we consider the 
great periods that constitute the life of a State, impressing upon him 
what is best of the Pilgrim and the Puritan quality and the Pilgrim and 
the Puritan conception of a State.^ 

The distinction now so sharply drawn between the Pilgrims of 
Plymouth and the Puritans of IMassachusetts thus appears to be due 

1 Discourse (18S7), p. 8. 

2 In Proceedings, etc. (1896), pp. 14-15, 42. 



382 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

to two causes: first, to the belief that the word Pilgrims belongs 
exclusively or peculiarly to the Plymouth settlers; and secondly, to 
the notion, which first made its appearance only about half a century 
ago, that the early Plymouth settlers were not Puritans, while those 
of Massachusetts were. The purpose of this section has been to show 
the genesis of this distinction, not to submit that distinction to a 
critical examination. Yet a few comments may be permissible. 
Nowadays the fact is too often overlooked that the Plymouth Colony 
was, except during the first decade of its existence, of slight import- 
ance. In 1813 Judge Davis, himself a native of Plymouth, wrote: 

In ten years from the commencement of Plymouth Colony the num- 
ber of inhabitants did not exceed three hundred. In an equal space of 
time from the settlement of Massachusetts, more than twenty thousand 
persons had arrived, and three hundred ships had been employed in 
their transportation. In money and commodities, in artizans of every 
necessary description, in the means of defence, and all the furniture of 
a state, there was a correspondent superiority.^ 

After 1643 Plymouth Colony, as our associate Mr. Worthington C. 
Ford has recently said, "as an historical factor . . . practically 
ceased to exist; " ^ and during the last fifty years of its existence as 
a separate colony, few persons found their way within its precincts. 
If, as Scott declared in 1866, the difference between Plymouth and 
Massachusetts was "wide, fundamental, and irreconcilable," how 
comes it that, almost within a few days after reaching here, the 
Boston settlers themselves became Separatists and adopted the Con- 
gregationalism of Plymouth? It is true that no one in Plymouth 
Colony was put to death for witchcraft, but that fact was not due to a 
disbelief in witchcraft, for among the capital laws adopted by 
Plymouth in 1636 was "Solemn Compaction or conversing w*** 
the devill by way of witchcraft conjuracon or the like" — a law that 
remained on the statute book for many years.^ And though no 

1 Discourse (1814), p. 8. 

2 Bradford's History (1912), vol. i. p. xv. 

* Plymouth Colony Records, xi. 12, 95, 172. In the Book of the General 
Laws, etc., 1672, p. 4 ; and in the Book of the General Laws, etc., 1685, p. 10, 
the law read as follows : 

Witchcraft. 8. If any Christian (so-called) be a Witch, that is, hath, 

or consulteth with a Familiar Spirit ; he or they shall be put 
to Death. 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 383 

Quaker was put to death in Plymouth Colony, yet Quakers were 
apprehended and banished in 1657 and disfranchized in 1658, and 
their books were seized and presented in court in 1659.^ In short, it 
may well be doubted whether the religious, intellectual, and moral 
differences between the Plymouth and the Massachusetts settlers 
were so fundamental as some recent writers would have us believe; 
and certain it is that these writers have occasionally gone astray in 
their judgments.^ Finally, much confusion will be avoided by always 
bearing in mind that the terms Pilgrims and Pilgrim Fathers, as 

1 Plymouth Colony Records, iii. Ill, 123, 167, xi. 101, 121. Mr. Scott can 
acquit the Pilgrim Fathers of persecuting the Quakers only by strictly limiting 
that term to the Mayflower passengers (see p. 377, above) and then by kilHng 
them off before some of them actually died. "In 1656," he says, "every leader'of 
that party, whose name history has recorded, was in his grave" (p. 34), includ- 
ing Governor Bradford. As a matter of fact Bradford did not die vmtil May 9, 
1657. The first legislation against the Quakers was at a Court of Assistants on 
February 3, 1657, at which Bradford was himself present as Governor. At 
that time John Alden was Treasurer and also an Assistant, and John Cooke and 
John Howland were Deputies: hence foiu- of the Mayflower passengers were 
concerned in the earliest legislation against the Quakers. It is not of course my 
intention to dispute the generally accepted view that the sway of Plymouth was 
milder and more tolerant than was that of Massachusetts, but clearly some of 
Mr. Scott's statements are open to criticism. The popular notion as to the 
treatment of the Quakers by the Plymouth Colony is singularly at fault. Thus 
in 1870 Emerson said: "It is the honorable distinction of that first colony of 
Plymouth, of the Pilgrims, not of the Puritans, that they did not persecute; 
that those same persons who were driven out of Massachusetts then were re- 
ceived in Plymouth. They did not banish the Quakers" (in New England So- 
ciety Orations, ii. 388). As a matter of fact, Quakers in the Plymouth Colony 
were not only, as stated in the text, apprehended, banished, and disfranchized, 
but were imprisoned, sent to the house of correction, put in stocks or cage, 
whipped, fined for attending their meetings, and others were fined for harboring 
or encouraging them, etc. (See Plymouth Colony Records, vols, iii, xi.) 

^ An instance may be given. "I think the first Puritans," wrote the Rev. 
Thomas Robbins on February 5, 1807, "discovered something of a separatical 
spirit" (Diary, i. 316). To this remark, the Rev. I. N. Tarbox, who edited the 
Diary, appends this note: 

The Pilgrims who came to Plymouth in 1620 were open and avowed Separa- 
tists. Mr. Robbins seems to imply that some of the Puritans who came to the 
Massachusetts Bay in 1629 and 1630 had something of the same idea, though they 
disowTied the name of Separatists. He grounds his remark probably on what 
took place at Salem in 1629, in the organization of the first church in the Massa- 
chusetts Bay. 

Robbins's remark stands by itself, without context. So obsessed was Dr. Tarbox 
with the notion that the word Pilgrims could be appUed only to the early Plym- 



384 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF M^iSSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

used in American history, were unknown until the closing years of 
the eighteenth century.^ 

Bibliography of the Plymouth Discourses 

List A, a chronological list, gives the year, the day of the month, 
the day of the week, the name of the body by whom the celebration 
was held, and the name of the speaker (if there was one) down to 
1820; but after 1820 it includes only the celebrations at which were 
delivered discourses afterwards printed. List B is an alphabetical 
list of speakers with titles of the discourses printed, or, if a discourse 
was not printed, the year in which it was delivered.^ Also, down to 



outh settlers, while the word Puritans could mean only the early Massachusetts 
settlers, that, finding Robbins using the word Puritans, he inferred that Robbins 
must refer to the early Massachusetts settlers. Had he consulted Robbins's 
Historical View of the First Planters of New-England, published in 1815, he 
would have seen that Robbins frequently speaks of the early Plymouth settlers 
as Puritans; and that the distinction between the Pilgrims and the Puritans, 
upon which he himself insisted so strongly (see p. 380, above), was quite un- 
known to Robbins. It is possible that when he made his remark, Robbins had 
in mind the early Massachusetts settlers; but it is far more probable that by 
"the first Puritans" he meant those who preceded both the Plymouth and the 
Massachusetts settlers. 

An amusing episode, thoroughly characteristic of Boston, occurred in 1907, 
when certain persons petitioned for the incorporation of the Pilgrim Trust 
Company of Boston. Objection to the name was raised by the counsel for the 
Puritan Trust Company, a distinguished citizen of Massachusetts, who said: 
"The name 'Puritan Trust Company' is valuable. There is a confusion in the 
public mind as to the Puritans and Pilgrims, and there would be sure to be 
confusion if there were two trust companies bearing such similar designations. 
The Pilgrims were a tolerant people who were not addicted to the burning of 
witches." To this the opposing counsel replied, "But the Puritans have been 
out of the witch burning business for some time." The persistency with which 
the erroneous notion that persons were burned in Massachusetts for witchcraft 
is adhered to and repeated by those who ought to know better, is extraordinary. 
(See the Boston Evening Transcript of July 31, 1907, p. 1/6). 

1 The expressions " Pilgrim martyr," referring to John Penry, who was 
executed in 1593; "Pilgrim church," meaning Robinson's church at Scrooby, 
England, afterwards removed to Amsterdam and then to Leyden ; " Pilgrim 
press," in allusion to the press managed by Brewster and Brewer at Leyden ; 
and other similar expressions are convenient and are now in frequent use, but 
are liable to misinterpretation unless the fact stated in the text is kept 
constantly in mind. 

^ For the sake of completeness, list B includes the titles not only of all printed 
discourses, but also of the volumes containing the proceedings at various ccle- 



1914] 



THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 



385 



1820, the place of residence of the speaker is given. An asterisk (*) 
denotes that a discourse was printed separately at the time. A 
dagger (f) denotes that a discourse was printed (in whole or in part) 
at a later time.^ 

A 

Chronological List of Celebrations 



1769 


Dec. 


22 


Fr 


Old Colony Club 




1770t 




24 


Mo 


It i( <( 


E. Winslow, Jr. 


1771 




23 


Mo 


(< (( (( 




1772 




22 


Tu 


tt (( (< 


Rev. C. Robbins 


1773* 




22 


We 


t< <( <( 


Rev. C. Turner 


1774* 




22 


Th 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. G. Hitchcock 


1775* 




22 


Fr 


(< << << 


Rev. S. Baldwin 


1776* 




23 


Mo 


(< It tt 


Rev. S. Conant 


1777* 




22 


Mo 


It It It 


Rev. S. West 


1778 




22 


Tu 


It It t( 


Rev. T. HilUard 


1779 




22 


We 


It tt tt 


Rev. W. Shaw 


1780 




22 


Fr 


tt tt It 


Rev. J. Moore 


1781-1792 






, No celebration 




1793* 


Dec. 


22 


Su 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev, C. Robbins 


1794 


(( 


22 


Mo 


Private celebration 




1795-1796 






No celebration or private 




1797 


Dec. 


22 


Fr 


Private celebration 




1798 


u 


22 


Sa 


it . II 


Dr. Z. Bartlett 


1799 








No celebration 




1800 1 


Dec. 


22 


Mo 


Town of Plymouth 


J. Davis 


1801* 




22 


Tu 


tt tt It 


Rev. J. Allyn 


1802* 




22 


We 


tt It It 


J. Q. Adams 


1802* 




22 


We 


Third Church 


Rev. A. Judson 


1803 1 




22 


Th 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. J. T. Kirkland 


1803* 




22 


Th 




Rev. J. Strong 



brations — those held on August 1 in commemoration of the embarkation from 
Delft Haven as well as those on Forefathers' Day; and likewise of the Report, 
published in 1850, relating to the correct date of Forefathers' Day. 

1 Lists have been printed in Harris's Discourse (1808), p. 32; in Webster's 
Discourse (1821), pp. 103-104; in Thacher's History of the Town of Plymouth, 
pp. 369-371 of the 1832 edition, pp. 339-340 of the 1835 edition; in W. S. Rus- 
sell's Guide to Plymouth (1846), pp. 280-283; and in W. T. Davis's Plymouth 
Town Records (1903), iii. 457-458; and cf. Sullivan's Discourse (1830), p. 42. 
None of these lists, however, is either complete or wholly accurate. The present 
hsts owe what completeness and accuracy they may have largely to our asso- 
ciate Mr. Arthur Lord, who owns a complete set of the printed discourses and 
has furnished several titles that otherwise would have escaped me. I am also 
indebted to Mr. Lord for information derived from the records of the Pilgrim 
Society (p. 320 note 2, above). 

It is curious that the word Pilgrims first occurs in these titles in 1826 (R. S. 
Storrs), and the term Pilgrim Fathers in 1828 (S. Green). 



386 



THE COLONIAL SOCEETT OF MASSACHUSETTS 



[Dec. 



1804* 


Dec. 


21 


Fr 


Town of Plymouth 


A. Bradford 


1805 




22 


Su 




Rev. J. Kendall » 


1806* 




22 


Mo 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. A. Holmes 


1806* 




22 


Mo 


Second Church 


Rev. S. Stetson 


1807 




22 


Tu 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. J. Freeman 


1808* 




22 


Th 


11 (( (( 


Rev. T. M. Harris 


1809* 




22 


Fr 


<( i( i{ 


Rev. A. Abbot 


1810 








No celebration 




1811 


Dec. 


22 


Su 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. J. Eliot 


1812-1814 






No celebration 




1815* 


Dec. 


22 


Fr 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. J. Flint 


1816t 




22 


Su 


First Church 


Rev. E. S. Goodwin 


1817 




22 


Mo 


Town of Plymouth 


Rev. H. Holley 


1818 




22 


Tu 


It 11 11 


W. Davis 


1819 




22 


We 


Pilgrim Society 


F. C. Gray 


1820* 




22 


Fr 


It (( 


D. Webster 


1821* 




23 


Su 


Third Church 


Rev. W. T. Torrey 


1824* 




22 


We 


Pilgrim Society 


E. Everett 


1826* 




22 


Fr 


Third Church 


Rev. R. S. Storrs 


1827* 




22 


Sa 


« <( 


Rev. L. Beecher 


182S* 




22 2 


Mo 




Rev. S. Green 


1829* 




22 


Tu 


Pilgrim Society 


W. Sullivan 


1830* 




22 


We 


Pilgrim Association ' 


Rev. B. B. Wisner 


1831* 




22 


Th 


II It 


Rev. J. Codman 


1831* 




22 


Th 


Robinson Congregation 


Rev. A. Cobb * 



^ It was stated in the last note that the lists hitherto printed have not been 
wholly accurate. All such lists (except that of W. T. Davis, 1903) state that 
Alden Bradford's Sermon was delivered in 1805. Tliis is an error for 1804, in 
which year December 22d fell on Satm-day and the celebration took place on 
the 21st: see p. 301 note 1, above. All such lists also contain this entry: "1804. 
(Lord's day) Rev. Mr. Kendall preached from Heb. xi. 13*," the asterisk de- 
noting that the sermon was not printed. But it was in 1805 that December 
22 fell on Sunday. Clearly, therefore, the previous lists have transposed the dis- 
courses delivered in 1804 and 1805. 

2 See p. 388 note 2, below. 

' Mr. Lord informs me that the discourses of the Rev. B. B. Wisner in 1830 and 
the Rev. J. Codman in 1831 wore delivered before the Third Church as well as the 
Pilgrim Association, and that the Pilgrim Association was apparently composed 
of members of the Third Church, though the Pilgrim Association only is men- 
tioned in the discourses themselves. This notion is borne out by an entry made 
ky the Rev. Thomas Robbins on December 22, 1831: 

Anniversary. . . . Attended the exercises in Mr. Kendall's meeting-house. 
Mr. Brazier, of Salem, had a very good sermon, excepting its Unitarianism. . . . 
Went to Mr. Freeman's and sat awhile with the Pilgrim Association. Mr. Codman 
preached today in his meeting-house (Diary, 1887, ii. 247). 

The Rev. Frederick Freeman was pastor of the Third Church. The sermon 
preached by the Rev. John Brazer in the First Chui'ch was not printed. 
* See p. 3S3 note 1, below. 



1911] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 



1832* 


Dec. 


22 


Sa 


First Parish 


Rev. C. Francis 


1834* 


it 


22 


Mo 


Pilgrim Society . 


Rev. G. W. Blagden 


1835* 


(1 


22 


Tu 


U li 


P. Sprague 


1846* 


11 


22 


Tu 




Rev. W. Hopkins 


1848* 


n 


22 


Fr 




Rev. S. M. Worcester 


1851* 


11 


22 


Mo 


PUgrim Society 


A. C. Spooner 


1S53 


Aug. 


1 




<( ti 


Various speakers ^ 


1855* 


Dec. 


21 


Fr 


U 11 


W. H. Seward 


1870* 


<< 


21 


We 


tl u 


R. C. Winthrop 


1883* 


a 


19 


Su 


First Church 


W. Everett 


1889 


Aug. 


1 




Pilgrim Society 


Various speakers * 


1895* 


Dec. 


21 


Sa 


(( u 


G. F. Hoar 



B 

Alphabetical List op Speakers and Discourses 

Abbot, Rev. Abiel, Beverly. A Discourse delivered at Plymouth December 
22, 1809, at the Celebration of the 188th Anniversarj^ of the Landing of our Fore- 
fathers in that Place. . . . Boston: . . . 1810. 

An Account of the Pilgrim Celebration at Plymouth, August 1, 1853, con- 
taining a list of the Decorations in the Toyvti, and correct copies of the Speeches 
made at the dinner-table. Revised by the Pilgrim Society. Boston: . . . 1853.^ 

Adams, John Quincy, Boston. An Oration, Delivered at Plymouth, Decem- 
ber 22, 1802. At the Anniversary Commemoration of the First Landing of our 
Ancestors, at that Place. . . . Boston, . . . 1802. 

Allyn, Rev. John, Duxbury. A Sermon, delivered at Plimouth, December 
22, 1801, Commemorative of the Pious Ancestry, who first imigrated to that 
place, 1620. . . . Boston: . . . 1802. 

Baldwin, Rev. Samuel, Hanover. A Sermon, preached at Plymouth, Decem- 
ber 22, 1775. Being the Anniversary Thanksgiving, in comm.emoration of the 
first landing of the Fathers of New-England, there; anno domini, 1620. . . . 
Boston, . . . Mdcclxxvi. 

B.artlett, Dr. Zaccheus, Plymouth. 1798. 

Beecher, Rev. Lym.yn. The Memory of our Fathers. A Sermon delivered at 
Plymouth, on the Twenty-second of December, 1827. . . . Boston: . . . 1828. 

Blagden, Rev. George Washington. Great Principles associated with Plym- 
outh Rock. An Address delivered before the Pilgrim Society of Plymouth, 
December 22, 1834. . . . Boston: . . . 1835. 

Br.^dford, Alden, Boston. A Sermon delivered At PljTnouth, December 21st, 
1804; the Anniversary of the Landing of Our Fathers In December, 1620. . . . 
Boston: . . . Jan. 1805. 



1 The celebration on August 1, 1853, was to commemorate the embarkation 
from Delft Haven. At least three of the speeches then deUvered were printed 
separately: see E. Everett, C. Sumner, R. Yeadon. 

2 The celebration of August 1, 1889, was to commemorate the completion of 
the National Monument to the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 

^ Of the speeches delivered on this occasion, at least three were printed sepa- 
rately: see E. Everett, C. Sumner, R. Yeadon. 



388 THE COLONIAL SOCIETY OF JVIASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

CoBC, Rev. Alvan. God's Culture of his Vinej'^ard. A Sermon, delivered at 
Plymouth before the Robinson Congregation, on the 22d of December, 1831. . . . 
Taunton: . . . 1832. i 

CoDMAN, Rev. John. The Faith of the Pilgrims. A Sermon delivered at 
Plymouth, on the Twentj-^-second of December, 1831. . . . Boston: . . . 1832. 

CoNAXT, Rev. Sylvester, Middleborough. An Anniversary Sermon preached 
at Plymouth, December 23, 1776. In grateful Memory of the first Landing of 
our worthy Ancestors in that Place, An. Dom. 1620. . . . Boston, . . . 1777. 

Davis, John, Boston. 1800. Extracts are printed in J. Morse and E. Parish, 
Compendious History of New England, 1804, pp. 373-378; and in 1 Proceed- 
ings Massachusetts Historical Society, i. 217, 217 note, 507-510. 

Davis, Wendell, Sandwich. 1818. 

Eliot, Rev. John, Boston. 1811. 

Everett, Edward. An Oration delivered at Plymouth December 22, 1824. 
. . . Boston. . . . 1825. 

Everett, Edward. Remarks at the Plymouth Festival, on the First of 
August, 1853, in commemoration of the Embarkation of the Pilgrims. . . . 
Boston: . . . 1853. See also An Account, etc., 1853. 

Everett, William. Discourse delivered in the First Church of Plymouth, 
Mass. 19 December, 1886 in commemoration of the Pilgrim Fathers. . . . 
Boston . . . 1887 

Flint, Rev. James, Bridgewater. A Discourse delivered at Plymouth, De- 
cember 22, 1815, at the anniversary commemoration of the First Landing of om- 
Ancestors at that Place. . . . Boston: . . . 1816. 

Francis, Rev. Convers. A Discourse delivered at Plymouth, Mass. Dec. 22, 
1832, in commemoration of the Landing of the Fathers. . . . Plymouth: . . . 
1832. 

Freeman, Rev. James, Boston. 1807. 

Goodwin, Rev. Ezra Shaw, Sandwich. The Providence of God in the Settle- 
ment of New England. Isaiah Ix. 22. Printed in Sermons, by the late Rev. Ezra 
Shaw Goodwin, Pastor of the First Church and Society in Sandwich, Mass. With 
a Memoir. Boston: . . . 1834. (Pp. 33-50.) 

Gray, Francis Calley, Boston. 1819. 

Green, Rev. S.^jniuel. A Discourse, dehvered at Plymouth, Dec. 20,- 1828, on 
th3 two hundred and eighth anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. 
. . . Boston: . . . 1829. 



1 On Dec. 22, 1831, the Rev. Thomas Robbins noted that "A new society has 
lately been formed here by the division of Mr. Freeman's" (Diary, ii. 247), and 
W. T. Davis states that the Third Church was "the parent of three children," 
one being the "Robinson Church organized in 1830" (Ancient Landmarks of 
Plymouth, 1883, pp. 102-103). The half-title of Mr. Cobb's sermon reads: "Rev.. 
Mr. Cobb's Pilgrim Sermon." 

* The date in the title-page is December 20. At the close of his Discourse Mr. 
Green says that "The little island on which they kept their first Sabbath, 208 
years ago yesterday, still stands as a modest remembrancer of our fathers' piety," 
and adds this note: 

A small Island in Plymouth harbor, called Clark's Island, seen from the 
shore, on which an exploring party landed on Saturday evening, supposing it to 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 389 

Harris, Rev. Thaddetts Mason, Dorchester. A Discourse delivered at 
Plymouth, Dec. 22d. 1808, at the Anniversary Commemoration of the Landing 
of our Ancestors at that Place. . . . Boston, . . . 1808. 

Milliard, Rev. Timothy, Barnstable. 1778. 

Hitchcock, Rev. Gad, Pembroke. A Sermon preached at Plymouth Decem- 
ber 22d, 1774. Being the Anniversary Thanksgiving, in Commemoration of the 
first Landing of our New-England Ancestors in that Place, Anno Dom. 1620. . . . 
Boston: . . . 1775. 

Hoar, George Frisbie. Oration delivered at Plymouth, December 21, 1895, 
at the celebration of the two himdred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the Land- 
ing of the Pilgrims, . . . Washington, D. C, 1895. See also Proceedings, etc., 
1896. 

HoLLET, Rev. Horace, Boston. 1817. 

Holmes, Rev. Ariel, Cambridge. A Discourse, delivered at Plymouth, 22 
December, 1806, at the Anniversary Commemoration of the first landing of the 
Fathers, A.D. 1620. . . . Cambridge, . . . 1806. 

Hopkins, Rev. Mark. A Sermon, deUvered at Plymouth, on the Twenty- 
second of December, 1846. . . . Boston: . . . 1847. 

Judson, Rev. Adoniram, Plymouth. A Sermon, preached in the New Meet- 
ing House, Plymouth, December 22, 1802, in Memory of the Landing of our 
Ancestors, December 22, 1620. . . . Boston: . . . 1803. 

Kendall, Rev. James, Plymouth. 1805.^ 

KiRKLAND, Rev. John. Thornton, Boston. 1803. An -extract is printed in 
J. Morse and E. Parish, Compendious History of New England, 1804, pp. 381-384.^ 

Moore, Rev. Jonathan, Rochester. 1780. 

The Proceedings at the Celebration by the Pilgrim Society at Plymouth, 
December 21, 1870, of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Landing 
of the Pilgrims. Cambridge: . . . 1871. ^ 

The Proceedings at the Celebration by the Pilgrim Society at Plymouth, 
August 1st, 1889 of the completion of the National Monument to the Pilgrims. 
Plymouth: . . . 1889. 



be the main land. Here they rested on the holy Sabbath, devoting the day to the 
worship of God, and on Monday morning came on shore at Plymouth. This 
discourse was deUvered on Monday, the same day of the week, as well as of the 
month, on which our fathers landed on the Plymouth rock (p. 36 and note). 

It thus appears that Mr. Green's Discourse was delivered Monday, but in 1828 
Monday was December 22; hence the date December 20 in the title-page is a 
typographical error for December 22. Mr. Green was mistaken in supposing 
that his Discourse was delivered on the same day of the month, though it was the 
same day of the week, as that on which the Pilgrims landed, for that day was 
Monday, December 21, 1620: see p. 297 note 2, above. 

1 Cf. p. 386 note 1, above. 

2 In his Discourse (pp. 18-19) of 1848, the Rev. Samuel M. Worcester quoted 
"the late amiable and accomplished Dr. Kirkland, in his discourse delivered at 
Plymouth, forty-five years since." The passage quoted occurs at p. 383 of the 
work cited in the text. 

» The oration delivered in 1870 was separately printed: see R. C. Winthrop. 



390 THE COLONLA.L SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS [Dec. 

The Proceedings at the Celebration by the Pilgrim Society, at Plymouth, 
December 21, 1895, of the 275th anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims. 
Plymouth: . . . 1896.i 

Report on the Expediency of celebrating in future the Landing of the Pil- 
grims, on the Twentyfirst Day of December, instead of the Tvventysecond Day 
of that Month. By a Committee of the Pilgrim Society. Boston: . . . 1850 .* 

RoBBiNS, Rev. Chandler, Plymouth. 1772.^ 

RoBBiNS, Rev. Chandler, Plymouth. A Sermon preached at Plymouth, De- 
cember 22, 1793; being the anniversary of the landing of our Ancestors in that 
place, in 1620. Published at the request of those who heard it, and others; with 
some enlargements, and particular anecdotes relating to their sufferings before 
they left England; never before published. . . . Boston: . . . 1794. 

Seward, William Henry. Oration by William H. Seward, at Plymouth, 
December 21, 1855. Albany: . . . 1856.< 

Shaw, Rev. William, Marshfield. 1779. 

Spooner, Allen Crocker. Speech of AUen C. Spooner, Esq. before the Pil- 
grim Society, at Plymouth, Dec. 22, MDCCCLI, in reply to the toast, "The 
Faith of the Pilgrims — May it be our Pillar of Fire, to guide us alike in the 
day of prosperity and the night of trial." Boston: . . . [No date] 

Spragite, Peleg. An Address delivered before the Pilgrim Society of 
Plymouth, December 22, 1835. Boston: . . . 1836. 

Stetson, Rev. Seth, Plymouth. The Substance of a Discourse preached in 
the Second Parish, Plymouth, December 22, 1806, in memory of the Landing of 
our Forefathers, 22 December, 1620. . . . Boston: . . . 1807. 

Storrs, Rev. Richard Salter, Braintree. The Spirit of the Pilgrims. A 
Sermon Delivered at Plymouth, December the twenty-second, 1826, . . . 
Plymouth: . . . 1827. 



^ The oration delivered in 1895 was separately printed: see G. F. Hoar. 

2 This title is added for the sake of completeness. 

^ In his sermon on December 23, 1776, the Rev. S. Conant said: "The most 
noted historical fads, relative to the coming over of our fore-fathers, have been 
named in the first public Sermon on this occasion, from Psalm Ixxviii. 5, 6, 7" 
(Anniversary Sermon, 1777, p. 6). In 1815 a writer, referring to Robbins's sermon 
of 1772, stated (2 Massachusetts Historical Collections, iii. 176-177) that "This 
discourse was printed at their request" — that is, at the request of the Old 
Colony Club. What the Old Colony Club did was to appoint a committee on 
January 6, 1773, to "write a letter of thanks to the rev*^ M"" Robbins for his 
sermon on the 22d ult., and request a copy thereof." Mr. Robbins took the 
matter under consideration, and, having decided to accede to the request, on 
February 23, 1773, wrote a letter in which he said, "I now present you a copy of 
said sermon, with liberty to make what use of it you shall think proper;" and 
this letter, "together with the Anniversary sermon in manuscript," was received 
by the Club on February 24 (2 Proceedings Massachusetts Historical Society, 
iii. 435, 436-437, 439). But the sermon was never printed. 

* Seward's Oration was also among the " Documents published by the Repub- 
lican Association of Washington Citj^" 1856, it being issued in a sixteen-page 
pamphlet without title-page, the heading on p. 1 reading, "Oration by WiUiam 
H. Seward, at Plymouth, December 21, 1855" 



1914] THE TERM PILGRIM FATHERS 391 

Strong, Rev. Jonathan, Randolph. A Sermon, delivered at Plymouth, De- 
cember 22, 1803, at the Anniversary Commemoration of the First Landing of our 
Ancestors at that Place. . . . Boston: . . . 1804. 

Sullivan, William. A Discourse delivered before the Pilgrim Society, at 
Plymouth, on the Twenty Second Day of December, 1829. . . , Boston. . . . 
M DCCC XXX. 

Sumner, Charles. A Finger-Point from Plymouth Rock. Remarks at the 
Plymouth Festival, on the First of August, 1853. In commemoration of the 
Embarkation of the Pilgrims. . . . Boston: . . . 1853. See also An Account, 
etc., 1853. 

Torrey, Rev. William Turner. A Sermon, dehvered in Plymouth, Dec. 23, 
1821, on the Lord's Day after the anniversary of the Landing of the Fathers. 
. . . Boston: . . . 1822. 

Turner, Rev. Charles, Duxbury. A Sermon, preached at Plymouth, De- 
cember 22d, 1773. Being the Anniversary Thanksgiving, in Commemoration of 
the Landing of the Fathers there, A. D. 1620 Boston: . . . M,DCC,LXXIV. 

Webster, Daniel, Boston. A Discourse, delivered at Plymouth, December 
22, 1820. In Commemoration of the first Settlement of New-England. . . . 
Boston: . . . 1821. 

West, Rev. Samuel, Dartmouth. An Anniversary Sermon, Preached at 
Plymouth, December 22d, 1777. In grateful Memory of the first Landing of 
our pious New-England Ancestors In that Place, A.D. 1620. . . . Boston: . . . 
[No date, but 1778] 

Winslow, Edward, Jr., Plymouth. 1771. Printed in 2 Proceedings Massa- 
chusetts Historical Society, iii. 416-417. 

WiNTHROP, Robert Charles. Oration on the Two Hundred and Fiftieth 
Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth. 21 December, 
1870. . . . Boston: . . . 1871. See also Proceedings, etc., 1871. 

Wisner, Rev. Benjamin Blydenburg. Influence of ReUgion on Liberty. 
A Discourse in commemoration of the Landing of the Pilgrims, delivered at 
Plymouth, December 22, 1830. . . . Boston: . . . 1831. 

Worcester, Rev. Samuel Melancthon. New England's Glory and Crown. 
A Discourse, dehvered at Plymouth, Mass., December 22, 1848. . . . Salem: . . . 
1849.1 

• Yeadon, Richard. Speech of Richard Yeadon, Esq., of Charleston, S. C. at 
the Pilgrim Celebration, at PljTnouth, Mass., August 1, 1853. Extract from the 
Boston Courier, August 5th, 1853. "On the first page we have placed the patri- 
otic speech of Mr. Yeadon, at the Pilgrim Dinner, at Plymouth, on the 1st instant, 
which speech was complimented by hisses from certain crazy and rabid aboh- 
tionists." New- York: . . . 1853. See also Proceedings, etc., 1853.^ 



1 Another edition has this title: "New England's Glory and Crown. A Dis- 
course, dehvered at Plymouth, Mass., December 22, 1848. . . . Second Edi- 
tion. Boston: . . . 1849." 

2 The comer-stone of the monument erected at Provincetown was laid August 
20, 1907 (see p. 293, above), and the monument was dedicated August 20, 1910. 
The proceedings on both occasions were printed in a book bearing the following 
title: " The Pilgrims and their Monument By Edmimd J. Carpenter, Litt.D. . . . 
Illustrated . . . New York MCMXI" 








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